For the second straight vintage, Bethel Heights has quietly produced one of the top Oregon Chardonnays from their Justice Vineyard. I say "quietly" because it's not normally a wine offered outside the winery but due to my fandom and nagging persistence, I've secured us a tiny parcel.
Why is it so excellent? Because it hits the sweet spot of Oregon's Chardonnay stylings, with beautiful texture and freshness, minerality and fruit. It drinks superbly now and will age for a decade.
Bethel Heights made Chardonnay WAY before it was cool; I still recall (fondly) hosting the winery for a store tasting in Corvallis at which they were pouring estate-grown Chard for $15!