2024 Celilo Chardonnay

The 2024 Celilo Vineyard Chardonnay is a striking expression of cool-climate Columbia Gorge fruit, showcasing precision, purity, and subtle textural complexity. Fermented and aged in a mix of neutral French oak and concrete egg, and without undergoing malolactic fermentation, this wine offers a vivid, high-acid profile with remarkable freshness. On the nose, it opens with lifted aromas of lemon zest, green apple, and pear skin, complemented by delicate floral tones of white blossoms and a clean mineral thread reminiscent of crushed stone or wet slate. The palate is focused and linear, driven by bright citrus and orchard fruit flavors, with a lightly chalky, almost waxy texture from the concrete egg. Lees aging adds gentle depth without adding weight, resulting in a mouthfeel that’s both vibrant and refined. There is no overt oak character—just a quiet structural frame that supports the wine’s natural energy. The finish is long, mouthwatering, and saline, emphasizing the wine’s tension and sense of place. This Chardonnay is a natural partner for seafood, goat cheese, or citrus-accented poultry dishes, and while it’s drinking beautifully now, it has the structure and acidity to evolve gracefully over the next three to five years.