Bethel Heights Vineyard Estate Chardonnay 2023 750ml

Product Info

Terroir
The 2023 Estate Chardonnay from Bethel Heights Vineyard is a pure expression of the Eola–Amity Hills, one of Oregon’s most distinctive and windswept AVAs. The estate vineyards sit at moderate elevation along the crest and upper slopes of the hills, where the Van Duzer Corridor channels cool Pacific air inland. These persistent afternoon winds slow ripening, thicken grape skins, and preserve acidity, lending the wines tension, aromatic lift, and natural balance.

Soils are primarily volcanic basalt (Jory and Nekia series) with patches of sedimentary influence, offering excellent drainage and low fertility. These conditions naturally limit yields and concentrate flavor, while the combination of cool climate and long growing season allows Chardonnay to develop depth without sacrificing freshness. The 2023 vintage reflects these strengths, capturing the AVA’s hallmark energy alongside ripe, expressive fruit.

Winemaking
Bethel Heights approaches Estate Chardonnay with a philosophy grounded in transparency and restraint, allowing site and vintage to guide the wine’s evolution. Fruit is harvested by hand at optimal maturity, balancing sugar development with vibrant acidity. Whole-cluster pressing is employed to preserve delicacy and purity, followed by fermentation primarily in French oak barrels, with a modest proportion of new oak selected for balance rather than impact.

Native yeast fermentation enhances complexity and texture, while full malolactic fermentation softens acidity and contributes to the wine’s supple mouthfeel. Extended lees aging, with minimal intervention, builds depth and integration without masking the vineyard’s mineral character. The result is a Chardonnay that reflects both precision and generosity, true to the estate’s long-standing style.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2023 Estate Chardonnay shows a bright straw-gold color with subtle green highlights. The nose is layered and expressive, offering aromas of lemon curd, green apple, and white peach, complemented by notes of citrus blossom, hazelnut, and a gentle hint of brioche. Underlying mineral tones—wet stone and a faint saline edge—provide a sense of place and structure.

On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied with a beautifully balanced texture. A lively entry of citrus and orchard fruit gives way to a creamy, focused mid-palate, supported by bright acidity and a finely etched mineral backbone. Lees influence adds roundness and depth, while oak remains subtle and well integrated. The finish is long and precise, leaving lingering impressions of citrus peel, stone fruit, and delicate nutty nuance.

Food Pairings
The Estate Chardonnay’s balance of freshness and texture makes it exceptionally versatile at the table. It pairs effortlessly with grilled or roasted seafood, such as halibut, scallops, or salmon, particularly when prepared with butter or herb-based sauces. Poultry dishes, including roast chicken or turkey with root vegetables, highlight the wine’s savory undertones.

Vegetarian preparations—mushroom risotto, creamy pasta, or roasted squash—are equally well suited, as are soft to semi-firm cheeses such as Brie, Camembert, or young Comté. Serve lightly chilled, around 50–54°F, to fully showcase the wine’s aromatic clarity and mineral-driven finish.

Cellaring & Longevity
While the 2023 Bethel Heights Vineyard Estate Chardonnay is highly appealing in its youth, it possesses the structure and balance to evolve gracefully with time. In the near term, it emphasizes vibrant fruit, bright acidity, and mineral tension. With additional bottle age, expect the development of secondary notes such as toasted hazelnut, honeyed citrus, and subtle brioche, alongside a more seamless, integrated texture.

Properly cellared, this wine should drink beautifully over 8–12 years, offering both immediate pleasure and the reward of added complexity. It stands as a compelling expression of Oregon Chardonnay—elegant, site-driven, and thoughtfully crafted.