Walter Scott X Novo Vineyard Chardonnay 2022

2022 Chardonnay of the vintage, 98 points Decanter: "A stunning Chardonnay from the ‘ifkyk’ X Novo site in the Eola-Amity Hills. X Novo is intentionally diverse 15 clones of Pinot Noir and 20 clones of Chardonnay are intertwined and planted with serious density in this tiny site. Reductive chipped flint notes give way to Hawthorne, briny oyster shell elements, and lemon oil aromas. The palate is well composed—gorgeous layers of smoked citrus grilled ripe pineapple flesh, savoury, and thirst-slaking lemon verbena. A mineral spine looks down on it all. Simply gorgeous."

If you have not discovered this yet, we'll let you in on the not-so-secret: while there are two we consider equals, there is no better example of Willamette Valley Chardonnay. End of discussion.

Understanding this wine can come from different angles— one is the more esoteric conversation of how Walter Scott's

X Novo epitomizes the winery's commitment to and vision of Chardonnay greatness in the Willamette Valley.

But we prefer to discuss the more tangible angle: the explosive aromas, the brightness meeting endless depth and volume, the stacked layers of fruit pulsing with mouthwatering freshness, the totally gonzo texture. All of the components of '22 X Novo are perfectly integrated and supportive of each other. I'm sure there's a metaphor there but I'm too busy reveling in this awe-inspiring Chardonnay to put words to it.

We need to be talking about this not as one of the Willamette's great Chardonnays but as one of the world's—it is transcendent. If wines like this are even remotely in your wheelhouse, do not miss it. -Marcus

X Novo Chardonnay is exotic and striking, an olfactory adventure scented with yellow rose, jasmine, orange blossoms, and grilled Meyer lemon harmoniously interwoven with the essence of steely flint. On the palate an effortless symphony of balance and concentration unfolds, revealing delightful flavors of lemongrass, yellow plum, candied Meyer lemon, and the luscious indulgence of a passionfruit mousse, all underscored by the captivating presence of wet stones. X Novo concludes with a salty, mouth-watering finish. -Walter Scott

2021 vintage notes

I reveled in the X Novo Chard for three full days, tasting it at different times of day and at different temps. Then I sat with my notes over a weekend, remembering the wine long after it was gone and gaining a deeper understanding of its context within Willamette Valley Chard. While I may have tasted one or two equals, I have tasted no finer Chardonnay from the state of Oregon. Ever.

We know Oregon Chardonnay. We have tasted the Willamette Chards that have pushed the scoring needle higher than ever before, including the Walter Scott wines that have done it. We know what we tasted in Walter Scott's 2021 X Novo Chardonnay and if someone doesn't give this wine a perfect score of 100, then we may have to change our longstanding position of not scoring wines and do it ourselves.

Power and vibrancy, layers and length, density with lightness, seamless from beginning to end. All just words until I experienced them all in '21 X Novo.

2021 X Novo Chard is a promise fulfilled—two, really: the vineyard blossoming into its own and the realization of Walter Scott's commitment to and vision of Chardonnay greatness. -Marcus

Team Walter Scott: X Novo Chardonnay is exotic and striking, scented with yellow rose, jasmine, orange blossoms, grilled lemon, and steely flint. The palate frames balance and concentration effortlessly, showing notes of lemongrass, candied Meyer lemon peel, passionfruit mousse, and wet stones, then welcomes a salty, mouth-watering finish. 

In 2010 Craig Williams, best known for his tenure at Joseph Phelps Vineyards, came to Oregon with his family and purchased land with the vision to establish vineyards of exceptional quality. The Williams’ turned heads, cultivating three unique sites in the Eola-Amity Hills and planting them with a notably diverse selection of plant material. 

X Novo Vineyard is located just down the east ridge of the Eola-Amity Hills, in an area known as Spring Valley. It sits on the edge of the Holmes Gap, where the Van Duzer winds funnel through the rolling hills. This site is perched at 525 feet in elevation on extremely rocky clays known as Gelderman. X Novo has over 15 clones of Pinot noir and 20 clones of Chardonnay planted in its three and a half acre site. 

2018 vintage notes

96 points Decanter: "Citrussy and mineral aromas, almost saline, with a lemon, green apple and apricot fruit character and plenty of depth. The acidity is vibrant and fresh, and the texture racy and very fine. Ken Pahlow is producing some of the most Chablis-like wines in the US – there’s no fat here, but concentration and structure provide a marvellous length. Drink 2020-2030 Alc 12.5%"

Distinct and beautifully textured Chardonnay, mixing a lemony intensity with sweet tangerine, plump summer peach, and salty minerals. The Chardonnay plantings are some of the most exciting and diverse on the West Coast, comprised of no less than fifteen clones. - Marcus

This wine is exotic and striking, scented with jasmine, gardenia, lemon blossoms, white peach, and flint. The palate frames balance and concentration effortlessly showing notes of lemon drops, candied tangerine peel, fennel, and wet stones, and welcomes a salty, mouth-watering finish. - the winery