Kelley Fox Wines Chardonnay Durant Vineyard
WHY WE LOVE IT
- The Kelley Fox Wines Chardonnay from the Durant Vineyard, specifically the “Lark Block,” is a single-vineyard Chardonnay from the Dundee Hills AVA in Oregon.
- The vineyard is situated in a region known for its ancient marine soil, which is a rare type in the volcanic Jory soil area.
- Durant Vineyard practices organic and biodynamic farming.
Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Elaboration: Winemaking includes the process of élevage, which utilizes concrete amphora tanks.
Tasting Notes: A radiant, light sunshine yellow with shining, pale gold tones, and is brilliantly transparent. The nose is very fresh, with layers of creamy citrus. The mouth continues the mixed citrus with some noticeable structure, along with soft minerals and vanilla bean. It has a beautiful texture and a lasting finish with a hint of pain grille that balances the fruit.
PRESS
2022 – 95 Jeb Dunnuck | 93 Vinous
2023 – 96 Jeb Dunnuck | 94 Wine Advocate
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
Kelley Fox Wines, established in 2007 in Oregon by Kelley Fox and her father, Gus Sterns, is a small winery known for its small-production, single-vineyard wines. The winery began with just over 100 cases of wine and crafts its wines from grapes it leases or sources from several top vineyards in Oregon, highlighting the diverse soils of the Willamette Valley and surrounding areas. The winery adheres to a natural winemaking philosophy, uses organic or biodynamic farming, and employs minimal intervention in the cellar. Today, the wines created by Kelley Fox are sought after, consistently receive high scores, and are highly praised by top wine reviewers.