2004 Chehalem Chardonnay "Inox". Willamette Valley, Oregon. 14% alcohol. $17. 2,400 cases produced.
Pale yellow color with greenish highlights. Bright, lemony aromas of kiwi, lime, and slate. Ends a little quickly with some light sweetness. High-toned flavors echo the nose but are somewhat marred by excessive alcoholic heat. Plenty of acidity. Think of this wine as a New Zealand sauvignon Blanc but without the herbs. In keeping with its name, this Chardonnay (consisting of co-fermented Dijon clones 76, 95, and 96 that are sourced mainly from their Stoller estate vineyard) saw only stainless steel and no oak during its upbringing. Malo is blocked and the wine does not age on its lees. Chehalem filters their Chardonnay. Closed with a screwcap. Drink now to 2008. 85 points.