00 Wines Richard Hermann Cuvee Chardonnay 2021 - 1.5 L Magnum -
(Eola-Amity Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon) - [JD 99] [IWR 98]

About the winery:

• Chris and Kathy Hermann of 00 Wines (Double Zero) set out to produce the next great American Chardonnay in the Willamette Valley. Using the premier cool climate Chardonnay fruit in the US, and time honored artisanal white Burgundy techniques, 00 Wines has created something rare that is being set in a class alongside the greatest white wines in the world.
• They use the Black Chardonnay method of reducing premature oxidization by exposing whole cluster Chardonnay grapes to oxygen before fermentation. This causes the “must” (grape juice) to turn a dark brown or black color. During fermentation the brown pigment falls out, and what is left has extraordinary depth and texture and is more protected against oxidation in the bottle. This method is being used in Burgundy (producers like Coche-Dury and Roulot) and now in Oregon to protect the wines from premature oxidization, and potential ruination later, as the wines are aged. Using this Burgundian methodology is both daring and inspired!
  
• The red wines are no less interesting and rare. Sourcing fruit from iconic vineyards like Shea and Hyland, the Pinot noirs begin with a painstaking process of hand clipping berries from the cluster as opposed to more traditional destemming. This process leaves the pedicels (the piece of the stem that attaches to the berry) intact and gives fragrance and spice to the resulting wine. Once destemmed, the berries are fermented in small amphora (terra cotta fermenters used in ancient times for winemaking): an uncommon practice that, in tandem with the hand-destemming, creates wines that have fragrance and texture not achievable through contemporary techniques.

Winemaking Notes:

"Black Chardonnay Method" Pre-press foot crush and overnight skin contact followed by long press cycle for maximum phenolic extraction. No sulfites added to the press pan and juice immediately goes into barrel. 12 months in barrel on the lees, no bâtonnage. 6 months finished in stainless steel on the fine lees. 13.8% abv.

Barrel Program Notes:

67% New French Oak Chassin

Vintage Notes: 

2021 was a moderate and dry growing season. With full ripeness and very good acidity, 2021 wines in the region ultimately resemble 2018 in concentration and 2014 2017 in size. Drier vintages bless us with reduced disease pressures and generally picture-perfect fruit clusters. This vintage for 00 Wines strikes the perfect balance between body and elegance.

Ratings & Reviews:

99 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"Coming from an exceptional site (wherever it is ), the clear bright yellow 2021 Chardonnay Richard Hermann Cuvee is another stunner, with wild aromas of lime blossom, lemongrass, flinty wet stone, delicate baking spices, and wild white flowers. It’s rounded on the palate, with full-bodied richness and a hint of fresh almond texture. It’s going to do well over the next 15 or more years." (Sep 2023)

98 Points - International Wine Report: 
"Single vineyard barrel selection from Eola-Amity Hills, the 2021 Richard Hermann Cuvée comes from a high-elevation vineyard and is another stunning wine from the team of 00 Wines. Showcasing a light neon shimmering lemon core with a watery rim, it is explosively fragrant on the nose. Phenomenal aromas of apricot flesh, Bartlet pears, dusty earth, acacia flowers, crushed stone, and shades of white chocolate and sweet cinnamon are all deliciously combined and present in the glass. The finish goes on for minutes with crunchy acidity and a fantastic herbal and mineral finish that sits on the back of the palate. A small production of 77 cases was made. Highly recommended and editor’s choice." (Mar 2023)