Kings Ridge Chardonnay Willamette Valley, 2023 (Marigold)

This inaugural Chardonnay represents a thoughtful blend from four distinguished Willamette Valley vineyards: Palestine Hill, Kraemer Farms, Bielenberg, and Witness Tree. Despite a challenging start to the growing season, ideal summer conditions led to an early, concentrated harvest that captured the quintessential character of Oregon Chardonnay.

Tasting Notes
- Appearance: Bright clarity
- Aroma: Vibrant lemon curd and geranium notes
- Palate: Fresh and balanced with subtle oak complexity
- Finish: Clean with fresh straw accents
- Structure: Crisp and focused, 12% alcohol

Technical Details
- Composition: 100% Chardonnay
- Appellation: Willamette Valley
- Fermentation: 82% Stainless Steel, 18% Neutral French Oak
- pH: 3.28
- Total Acidity: 5.8 g/L
- Style: Dry
- Recognition: 91 points

Winemaking
Cool, slow fermentation in stainless steel preserves aromatic intensity for most of the blend, while barrel fermentation of the Witness Tree portion adds subtle richness and complexity to the final wine.