Clear, medium-deep intensity lemon yellow. Clean on the nose with heady aromas of sweet cooked apples, macerated pineapple, vanilla, clove, and candied ginger. Medium-dry on the palate with full body and slight residual sugar. Medium alcohol, medium acidity, rich texture, with lush—almost over the top—flavors. Stewed yellow apples, spiced Turkish figs, pineapple packed in brown sugar, candied orange peel, and crystallized honeysuckle. Medium finish. Very easy to drink on its own, but would pair splendidly with apple walnut bread pudding. Highly recommended. RR
WHO: Ayoub Wines
WHAT: Chardonnay
WHERE: Dundee Hills AVA, Willamette Valley, Oregon
WHEN: 2009
HOW MUCH: $45
