Dundee Hills Chardonnay 2021

Located in northwestern Oregon, Archery Summit Winery is nestled in the heart of the Dundee Hills, within the Willamette Valley, one of the most renowned regions in the United States for cool-climate wines. The vines benefit from well-drained hillsides composed of iron-rich Jory volcanic soils, as well as an oceanic influence that moderates the summers. This combination of topography, cool climate, and deep soils promotes slow ripening of the grapes and allows for the production of wines that combine concentration, freshness, and remarkable aromatic precision.

The grapes for Dundee Hills Chardonnay 2021 are hand-harvested, carefully sorted, and then gently pressed as whole bunches before light settling. The must is then fermented in oak barrels, primarily French, where it continues to age on its fine lees with periodic stirring to develop texture and complexity. Aging lasts several months before bottling to preserve the balance between freshness, expression of the terroir, and subtle oak influence.

This wine reveals notes of ripe yellow apple , juicy pear , and citrus zest , complemented by floral nuances of white blossoms and subtle oaky touches of toasted hazelnut , delicate vanilla , and brioche . Mineral accents and a light hint of sweet spice add complexity. On the palate, the texture is ample and creamy, carried by a lively acidity that lengthens the finish, offering a precise balance of richness, tension, and elegant aromatic persistence.

In the United States, 90% of the wine produced comes from California. It was the influx of gold prospectors to California that revitalized the Californian wine industry in the mid-19th century, particularly in the Sonoma and Napa regions. At the beginning of the 20th century, there were 800 wineries. From 1919 to 1933, Prohibition decimated the vast majority of the Californian wine industry, so that by 1933, only 140 wineries remained. It wasn't until 1960 that the wine industry began to recover from Prohibition, and California was primarily known for producing fortified wines (in the style of Port). It was also in the 1960s that some of the most famous wineries were established (Mondavi, Heitz Wine Cellars, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, etc.). In 1976, a landmark event took place: the legendary tasting competition better known as the "Judgment of Paris." It pitted the greatest French wines against the new American upstarts. On May 24th, an unexpected result shook the wine world, as, to everyone's surprise, the United States emerged victorious. This competition, however, remains relatively unknown to the general public. Today, there is no doubt that the United States produces great wines. While California largely dominates the reputation of American wines with its excellent Zinfandels, the state of Oregon produces some of the best Pinot Noir in the world, and Washington State offers excellent Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.