2023 The J Reserve Estate Chardonnay

Chehalem Mountains

The J Reserve begins as a barrel selection — a choice made in the cellar, vintage by vintage, according to how the fruit and wood align in a way that warrants making the cut for bottling.

The 2023 was aged in 40% new French oak, a step up from our Estate Chardonnay, and carries a touch more ripeness to match. Right now, that oak is present and confident but what anchors the wine is the acidity: precise and persistent, it traces through the finish and holds everything in balance. The fruit beneath is outstanding, and it's going nowhere.

This is a wine that rewards patience. Open it now with a long decant and find richness and structure in conversation. Cellar it, and watch the balance resolve into something more complete.

Drinking well now with decanting; at its peak 2027–2033.

95 points, Paul Gregutt
93 points, James Suckling
93 points, Owen Bargreen