Walter Scott X Novo Vineyard Chardonnay 2022 (750ML)

98 DE / 94 WA

A stunning Chardonnay from the X Novo site in the Eola-Amity Hills. X Novo is intentionally diverse 15 clones of Pinot Noir and 20 clones of Chardonnay are intertwined and planted with serious density in this tiny site. Reductive chipped flint notes give way to Hawthorne, briny oyster shell elements, and lemon oil aromas. The palate is well composed—gorgeous layers of smoked citrus grilled ripe pineapple flesh, savoury, and thirst-slaking lemon verbena. A mineral spine looks down on it all. Simply gorgeous.-Clive Pursehouse, Decanter

The 2022 Chardonnay X Novo Vineyard comes from vines planted in 2011 in volcanic soils. It fermented and matured in 80% new, 350- and 500-liter barrels for 12 months and finished with three months in stainless steel. It releases wafts of matchstick, cinnamon and spice before revealing a core of apple pie. The light-bodied palate is taut and shimmery with full, spicy flavors and a long, spicy finish. It deserves 3–5 years to harmonize in bottle. 425 cases were made.--Erin Brooks, The WIne Advocate