Morgen Long XO Chardonnay, Eola-Amity Hills, USA 2024

An extraordinary, small-production Chardonnay from one of Oregon's most exciting specialists in the variety. XO is a special barrel selection from Morgen Long's X Omni Vineyard, consisting of just three barrels selected from a single French cooper. The 2024 is remarkably distinctive, emphasizing precision, texture and intense minerality over richness and oak. Aromas of oyster shell, crushed granite, citrus oil and white flowers lead into layers of brined lemon, fresh ginger and subtle toasted notes. Bone dry and beautifully focused, the palate has a wonderful combination of energy, grip and saline minerality, finishing with exceptional length and precision. Fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged in French oak, this is a serious, Burgundian-minded Chardonnay with tremendous character and aging potential. A rare and compelling bottling for collectors of world-class Chardonnay.

Jeb Dunnuck 95