Kelley Fox Wines Chardonnay Willamette Valley
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Kelley Fox Wines’ Chardonnay is sourced from the Willamette Valley A.V.A., specifically from the Durant and Freedom Hill Vineyards, each contributing approximately 50% to the blend.
- This Chardonnay is not enhanced by new wood but retains the oak tree vitality and the cool minerality imparted by concrete amphora tanks.
- The label features a drawing by Kelley Fox’s younger daughter, Violet, depicting a snowy owl preparing to land on a Western hemlock branch.
Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Elaboration: Winemaking utilizes 65% barrels for élevage in neutral, tight-grained French oak Burgundy barrels (228L) and 35% in concrete amphora tanks.
Tasting Notes: This Chardonnay is shining gold and brilliantly transparent. The rich, creamy tropical fruit nose with powdery minerals continues in the mouth with a pleasing heft without the weight. Long finish.
PRESS
2021- 92 Jeb Dunnuck | 91 Vinous
2023- 93+ Vinous | 93 Jeb Dunnuck | 92 Wine Advocate
2024 – 94 Jeb Dunnuck | 93 Vinous
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.