Prince Hill Vineyards Willamette Valley Chardonnay 2022
(Willamette Valley, Oregon) - [DM 90]

About the Winery:
Prince Hill Vineyards is a testament to terroir. At the namesake site, vines bask in the pristine conditions above the fog line, while the red Jory soil offers steadfast nourishment. This meticulous care yields wines of remarkable approachability and exquisite flavor.

In the greater Willamette Valley, fertile soils benefit from cooler climates ideal for winegrowing. Where elevation is higher than low-lying areas in the valley—like at our eponymous site—a slow and steady ripening process enhances the complexity and elegance of the crafted wines.

Notes from the Winemaker:
In the wake of a mild winter, we found ourselves navigating a spring season that deed expectations. While an untimely frost threatened our budding vines, fortune favored our fields, sparing us from the harshest freeze in decades. As the cool spring slowly gave way to burgeoning growth, our vineyards awoke from their winter slumber with renewed vigor. Summer graced us with abundant flowering and a promising crop load, accompanied by warm, sun-kissed days that nurtured our bounty to ripeness. But the true marvel unfolded with the arrival of warm, dry weather that lingered far into October, allowing flavors to deepen and complexities to flourish.

Tasting Notes:
The bouquet whispers of citrus blossoms and lemon verbena. Brioche and stone fruit lend weight to the aromatics, mingling with hints of honeysuckle and herbaceous nuances. On the palate, a seamless integration unfolds: textured yet nimble. Precision carries notes of orange oil and saline, caressing the senses with a gentle warmth and spice from carefully selected French oak. Chamomile and fresh hazelnuts dance through a lingering finish, a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship and dedication woven into every sip. 

Vinification:

Vineyard Sources: Prince Hill Vineyard, Carabella Vineyard

Ratings & Reviews

90 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"Ripe, redolent and loaded with barrel spice from the Dundee Hills and the cool vintage of 2022. Plenty of richness marks the aromatics of nutmeg, poached pear and almond cream. The palate shows plenty of warm baking spice, apple cake and elements of candied ginger and nutmeg." - Clive Pursehouse (Aug 2024)