2023 Chardonnay
Tasting Notes
Our 2023 Airfield Chardonnay opens with inviting aromas of fresh golden pear, spiced apple butter, and roasted almond. A silky, slightly creamy mouthfeel unfolds on the palate, showcasing a harmonious balance of acidity with flavors of caramelized apples, golden raisins, and marzipan. The finish is elegant, featuring delicate notes of toasted oak, a hint of minerality, and lingering impressions of stone fruit. Enjoy now through 2031, with optimal maturity anticipated in 2028. Serve chilled at 50-55°F for the best experience.
Awards
89 Points, James Suckling (2022)
89 Points, Wine Enthusiast - Best Buy (2022)
Vineyard Designation
100% Estate Grown
Vintage Notes
The 2023 vintage in Washington State was a return to “normal” with some notable shifts. A mild winter led to a cool early spring, but a mid-April heatwave accelerated bud break. Moderate spring temperatures supported steady growth, while record heat in June and July sped up ripening, advancing veraison by 2–3 weeks. Overall, the vintage produced outstanding wines. Whites are vibrant with tropical fruit and crisp acidity, while reds are rich and expressive, boasting dark berry flavors, refined tannins, and excellent aging potential.
Winemaking Notes
Our 2023 Airfield Chardonnay perfectly balances freshness and richness, showcasing the best of Washington State’s Chardonnay. Crafted from 60% stainless steel-fermented and 40% French oak-aged Chardonnay (21% new, 79% seasoned 2 to 6-year-old oak), it offers both purity of fruit and elegant complexity. Harvested in early October, the grapes were whole-cluster pressed to preserve their vibrant character. Fermentation vessels were split between stainless steel (cool temperature for crisp acidity) and oak barrels (for depth and texture), with malolactic fermentation on the barrel-aged portion to enhance mouthfeel while keeping bright fruit expression. Lees stirring in both barrel and tank occurred twice monthly for three months to add roundness and structure. Overall, the wine was aged for eight months in a combination of stainless steel and oak, then blended and given an additional month in concrete tanks – imparting layered complexity and lifted fruit notes. The result is a beautifully balanced Chardonnay with depth, elegance, and a vibrant finish.
* Produced in a Vegan Manner (No animal byproducts used in the production of this wine)
Food Pairing
Roast Lobster with Tarragon-Lemon Butter
Braised Pork with Pearl Onions and Grapes
Fresh Corn Soufflé with Bacon and Comté
Brie or Camembert
- Varietal Composition: Chardonnay
- Appellation: Yakima Valley
- Aging / Barrel Program: 8 months in 60% stainless steel & 40% French oak, followed by 1 month in concrete
- Cases Produced: 1,809
- Alcohol: 13.1%
- pH: 3.59
- Acidity: 5.8 g/L
- Ageability: Enjoy now through 2031, with optimal maturity in 2028.