Today we wander off of the Virginia Wine path and consider a Chardonnay from Oregon, the Marshall Davis 2017 Estate Chardonnay. The Marshall Davis Vineyard is located in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA of the Willamette Valley, and the vineyard itself is tended by the Marshall family. The vineyard includes “eight acres of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vines surrounding their home near Carlton.” The vineyard site boasts an elevation of 450 feet with volcanic topsoil and superior drainage.

This particular Chardonnay is barrel fermented and aged for 16 months in French oak barrels, 15% of which are new. It presented notes of pear and tropical fruit followed by roasted pear and lush tropical fruit flavors that finished with a caramel kiss. Fruit flavors extended and then lingered through the palate. We enjoyed this Marshall Davis 2017 Estate Chardonnay with crab cakes topped with a corn relish; on a warm summer night, it proved to be a perfect pairing.

I have never been a a member of the “ABC” (Anything But Chardonnay) club, and my motto is “Yay for Chardonnay!” The Marshall Davis 2017 Estate Chardonnay get two thumbs up from me. Be sure to seek this gem out at your local wine shop or purchase on line by visiting the vineyard’s website. Mention that you read about it on Virginia Wine Time!