2018 Division Winemaking Company Chardonnay "Trois" Johan Vineyard - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Eola - Amity Hills (1/2/2021)
Drank over two nights, the second of which included a conversation with the winemakers (Tom and Kate) from Division. First night there was initially a pronounced reductive, matchstick element, but it receded after a couple of hours. The wine remained rather tight, but was a promising mix of crisp fruit and leafy green tones. I corked it up in the fridge overnight, taking it out to warm a bit prior to the Zoom with Tom and Kate. A small pour showed the fruit coming to the fore, with the green becoming a dry lime flavor. The struck match had receded to a background element, but remained present. I really liked the way the wine showed on the second night. I think I will hold my other bottle a little while to see how it develops.
We discussed this wine in some detail on the call, and Tom indicated that the reductive element is a feature from the vineyard site. The wine is raised in puncheon rather than a stainless tank, and has displayed the same character in multiple vintages.