1 1

2018 Loop de Loop Willamette Valley AVA Chardonnay

2018 Loop de Loop Willamette Valley AVA Chardonnay

Region: Willamette Valley < Oregon

Grape: Chardonnay

Vineyard/cellar stats: Organic/regenerative farming; high-altitude
40-year old vineyards on volcanic soils; macerated for a few hours
before fermenting in stainless steel and neutral barrels, no new oak,
then rests in stainless-steel tank for 3 months; bottled
unfined/unfiltered with minimal added So2; 13 % ABV

Winemaker: Julia Bailey Gulstine

Winemaker and owner Julia Bailey named her label Loop de Loop because
it mirrored her own trajectory as a winemaker. Time spent working in
restaurants in Portland led to an interest in wine, and she headed to
Europe to explore wine regions in France and Italy. Back in Oregon,
she went to work at wineries, landing at Argyle before becoming the
first employee hired at Patricia Green, a famous biodynamic Oregon
producer. After gaining more experience from travel, working as a wine
buyer and becoming certified as a sommelier, she started her own label
in 2012.

According to Julia, this is the Chardonnay for Chardonnay doubters.
She says, "We love Burgundian Chardonnay, and that region has been our
constant compass stylistically since our inception. This fruit all
comes from a vineyard that was planted in the early 1980s at 800 ft.
We allow a few hours of skin contact before fermenting in stainless
steel and neutral barrels. No new oak in this chardonnay! Graceful and
delicate Chardonnay with a saline edge--perfect for people who do not
like “oaky/buttery” Chardonnay."

She's so right!  We're a bit embarrassed to admit that we often fall
in into the ABC camp (Anything But Chardonnay), but Julia's has us
smitten. Because it showcases Chardonnay's gorgeous varietal character
without the oak and weight that can bring it down. This one has an
appealing lush, round texture that gives way to bright, tart fruit
(think ripe kiwi, white peach, lemon curd), zesty acidity, and a
beautiful minerality from those volcanic soils.   It’s like a classic
white Burgundy goes camping the lush mountains of Oregon, gets high
and rolls in the dirt. Chardonnay for all of the people - except the
Rombauer/Butter lovers, they will not like this one.
$25.00
$25.00
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.
View full details