Diverse, Dynamic, Delicious: Get These Chardonnays!
While dozens have jumped on the bandwagon, there is a handful of wineries driving the Willamette Valley Chardonnay discussion and making the most compelling and fantastic Chards. The discussion--and your Chard collection--isn't complete without Seth Morgen Long, whose singular path is to focus exclusively on Chardonnay. As much as his 2017s impressed us, the whole range of 2018s is positively astounding. His 2018 Chards are, from first to last, the most diverse, dynamic, and delicious range of Willamette Valley Chardonnay available.
Morgen Long's gorgeous, ultra-small production Chardonnays each have their own unique strength, which makes them even more impressive. The individuality in each wine shows the gentle strength of Seth's winemaking style. There are new wines in 2018: the amazing value Marine, the surprise standout Volcanic, and the sleeper, Durant Vineyard. We highly, highly encourage you to grab one of his Chardonnay samplers and to load up on his WV and Marine values...and all of them! You'll find equal parts intellectual intrigue and pure delicious enjoyment.
$269.95 - save 10% on the 6-pack sampler! ($300 regular)
One bottle each:
Marine Chardonnay 2018
Willamette Valley Chardonnay 2018
Volcanic Chardonnay 2018
Durant Vineyard Chardonnay 2018
Seven Springs Vineyard Chardonnay 2018
The Eyrie Vineyards Chardonnay 2018
The wines, with our original notes and Seth's:
$22.45 in any 12 bottle or Build a Case order ($24.95 regular)
The stunner. Seriously amazing value. Fresh bowlfuls of citrus and a gorgeous, mouthwateringly finish. Case-worthy! - Marcus
Aromas of wet rocks, flint, yellow flowers, green mango, guava, lemongrass, straw and hazelnuts. Ripe flavor and weight is moored below shimmering minerality, bright acids and smooth textures, finishing long. Vineyard notes: 100% Willamette Valley Chardonnay from three, non-irrigated vineyards planted in mixed marine sediment soils: 43% Loubejac, 40% AlexEli, 17% Yamhill Vineyards. - Seth
$29.65 in any 12 bottle or Build a Case order ($32.95 regular)
The ambassador. Yellow and green citrus with an accent that reminded me of the best marzipan croissant I've ever had (L'Etoile!). I adore the way this smells, moves, stretches, exemplifying what we prize in Willamette Chard. - Marcus
Aromas of wet rocks, lemon oil, lime curd, almond paste, graham, ginger, wood spice. Lively acidity and buoyant flavors are enhanced by lacy texture and ample density, stretching out long on the finish. From six non-irrigated vineyards planted between 1968-2012: 40% Seven Springs, 20% Durant, 15% Loubejac, 15% AlexEli, 7% Yamhill, 3% The Eyrie Vineyards. - Seth
$35.95 in any 12 bottle or Build a Case order ($39.95 regular)
The surprise standout. Opening like molten gold, backed by voluminous fruit, texture, and length. The kaffir lime cream note that comes out with time is marvelous. While not the least expensive, the strongest in quality-to-price. - Marcus
Aromas of flint, oyster shells, wet rocks, mixed citrus oil, kaffir, mint, white flowers and ginger crème. Coiled, explosive flavors and smooth textures expand as an elegant richness grows towards the finish. From two non-irrigated vineyards planted in mixed volcanic basalt soils, 60% Seven Springs/40% Durant Vineyards. - Seth
$58.45 in any 12 bottle or Build a Case order ($64.95 regular)
The paradox. The sky opens, the Chardonnay sun sparkles and shines with vivacity and freshness. What comes next is the beautiful paradox of the best wines: density, weight and roundness yet with supreme delicacy, airiness and transparency. This wine makes you feel it. My favorite Chardonnay from Seven Springs. - Marcus
Aromas of lime oil, lemon curd, white peach, ginger, pistachio crème, waffle, with wet stones, flint and woodspice. Crystalline flavors, vibrant acidity, layered with dense, fine textures, all weightless and lingering. - Seth
$79.15 in any 12 bottle or Build a Case order ($87.95 regular)
The David. A profound wine, chiseled from a legendary block of Chardonnay gold, the density, weight, and class this exudes is worthy of museum. Extremely limited. - Marcus
Aromas of musk melon, white peach, mandarin oil, ginger crème, almond paste, honeycomb, warm minerals. Silken texture and golden flavors are full bodied and dense, surrounding a core of supple acidity. Organically farmed, non-irrigated 1968-planted Draper selection, hailing from European plant material brought to Draper Ranch, Napa Valley in the 1930’s. - Seth
$44.95 in any 12 bottle or Build a Case order ($49.95 regular)
The sleeper. What begins as racy, even boisterous settles into itself wonderfully on day two. Sly back-end power and a mesmerizing spice and mineral component had me fully engaged. - Marcus
Aromas of chalk, lemongrass, mint, grapefruit, lime, Asian pear, almond meal, graham, wood spice. Racy acidity, vivid flavors, chalky textures smooth together, faceted, limber yet powerful and long to finish. - Seth