Morgen Long Gregory Ranch Vineyards Chardonnay, Yamhill-Carlton District, USA 2024

A fascinating new single-vineyard Chardonnay from Morgen Long, one of Oregon's most compelling specialists in the variety. The 2024 is the inaugural vintage from Gregory Ranch, a tiny, biodynamically farmed vineyard tucked into the forested foothills of the Coast Range. Planted in 2008 on marine sediment soils, this site produces a distinctly savory, mineral-driven expression of Chardonnay. The nose reveals intriguing aromas of brined lemon, crushed flint, pine, lanolin and savory chestnut, followed by hints of white peach and citrus. Bone dry and beautifully structured, the palate combines impressive depth and texture with vibrant acidity and a remarkably long, saline mineral finish. Fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged in French oak before additional maturation on lees in stainless steel, this is an unusually distinctive Chardonnay with tremendous character and aging potential. A special debut bottling for serious Chardonnay collectors.

Jeb Dunnuck 95