2023 "LIONESSES"

Willamette Valley AVA   •   $22

Ehrenfelser and Kerner are two white Germanic varieties very rarely found in the Willamette Valley, to say nothing of the western hemisphere at large. So I am fortunate to be able to source these grapes from Satori Springs vineyard, which is located south of historic Oregon City.

Over the last four years I’ve learned just how transparently these grapes express the volcanic Jory soils they’re grown in, marked particularly by saline mineral notes. Ehrenfelser contributes orchard fruits and electric, linear acidity, and Kerner contributes supple tropical fruits and a hint of spice.

This wine, which is raised primarily in stainless steel tanks along with one French oak barrel, plays in the same sandbox as Bourgogne Aligoté or fine Muscadet. “Lionesses” is beautifully saline and it showcases restrained floral aromas, orange oil, nutmeg, and fennel. On the palate, think fresh-sliced Fuji apple, lemon curd, and cinnamon. It’s totally dry, with zero residual sugar, and I hope you dig it.

12.2% alc •   5.3 g/L TA   •   3.39 pH   •   0 g/L RS (totally dry)