2025 Chardonnay
Tasting Notes
The 2025 Chardonnay is light to medium-bodied, with an inviting aromatic profile of spiced baked apple, pear juice, and subtle notes of crushed cashew. On the palate, it offers a gently creamy texture balanced by bright acidity, revealing layers of golden raisin, brioche, and candied butterscotch. The finish is refined and lingering, with delicate floral notes, integrated minerality, and nuanced stone fruit. This vintage is enjoyable now through 2036, with peak maturity expected around 2032. Best served at temperatures of 50-55 degrees.
Awards
2024 Vintage
88 Points, Vinous
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2023 Vintage
91 Points, Wine Spectator
90 Points, International Wine Report
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2022 Vintage
89 Points, James Suckling
89 Points, Wine Enthusiast - Best Buy
Vineyard Designation
100% Estate Grown
Vintage Notes
The 2025 growing season in Washington was defined by mild winter conditions, an early and even start to the season, and a warm, steady summer free from major heat spikes. Bud break began slightly ahead of historical averages in early April, and growing degree days in the Yakima Valley tracked just above long-term norms through the core of the season. An unusually warm September helped carry fruit to full maturity, resulting in grapes with excellent ripeness, balanced acidity, and strong overall quality. In the Yakima Valley, the 2025 vintage shows the region at its best, with whites expected to offer vibrant aromatics and freshness, and reds showing depth of fruit, refined structure, and impressive balance.
Winemaking Notes
The 2025 Airfield Chardonnay is crafted from select high-performing Chardonnay blocks from our Estate Vineyard in the Yakima Valley AVA. To highlight the distinctive style of Washington Chardonnay, 56% was fermented and aged in stainless steel, while 44% was fermented and aged in French oak—19% new and 81% seasoned (2–6 years old). Grapes were harvested at optimal ripeness in early October, whole-cluster pressed, and settled for 72 hours before fermentation. The stainless portion was fermented at cool temperatures to preserve fresh fruit character, while the barrel portion fermented between 60–65°F and underwent malolactic fermentation, carefully managed to maintain balance without overpowering the wine with buttery notes. Both portions were stirred on the lees twice monthly for three months to enhance texture and structure. The wine aged for eight months before blending, followed by one additional month in concrete, contributing added complexity and lifted aromatics to the final wine.
• Sustainable WA Certified
• Salmon-Safe Certified
•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 56% stainless steel & 44% French oak(18% New French Oak 82% 2-6yr Old French Oak), followed by 1 month in concrete
- Cases Produced: 821
- Alcohol: 12.9%
- pH: 3.58
- Acidity: 5.7 g/L
- Ageability: Enjoy now through 2036, with optimal maturity in 2032.