A lovely touch of wood spice introduces the 2021 Chardonnay Aequorin as fresh hazelnut, spring flowers, lime and white peach form its enticing bouquet. This mixes savory and sweet, demonstrating amazing balance and poise as ripe orchard fruits and hints of confectionary spice are contrasted by the onset of salty minerals and ginger tones. It finishes incredibly long and full of tension, leaving a crunchy sensation and nuances of vanilla spice along with a tug of silky tannins. Simply stunning. (EG) 96+

This full-bodied and lavishly oak-aged wine achieves admirable richness, being barrel fermented and going through the malolactic fermentation that enhances buttery aromas and a nicely viscous mouthfeel. Aromas of lavender and poached pears give way to baked apples, butter and cream on the palate, where a vein of crisp acidity keeps it well-balanced. Drink now or hold.

This wine is only made in select vintages. It is comprised from eight sites throughout the Willamette Valley, as far south Corvallis. ‘We blend everything blind,’ says Maggie Harrison, ‘looking for harmonies and synergies.’ Most vintages it's just one Chardonnay but when a wine stands out they'll make the Aequorin as well. This wine for Harrison is more crystaline, and linear, though it's not designed that way. Aromas of bruised apples, and caradmom spice, with a hint of orange oil and wild thyme. The palate shows an amazing lemon drop character. The structure buoys fleshy yellow peaches, and a saline note of seaspray carries through to the finish. (CP)