Amid the rolling hills of Oregon, a hidden gem in the form of Ambar Estate is pushing the envelope in winemaking, specifically with their astoundingly complex Chardonnays. At the helm is winemaker Kate Payne Brown, whose innovative techniques are elevating the vineyard's offerings, making Ambar Estate a name to reckon with in the world of premium wines.

Unveiling the Winemaking Prowess of Kate Payne Brown

At Ambar Estate, nestled within the picturesque Dundee Hills, Kate Payne Brown is crafting Chardonnays that embody both tradition and innovation. As the first regenerative organically certified vineyard in the Willamette Valley, Ambar Estate stands out not just for its environmental stewardship but also for its exceptional wines.

"Chardonnay is truly having a moment here," notes Payne Brown. By emphasizing acidity and leveraging the cooler nights of the region, she achieves a balance that enhances the wine's texture through barrel fermentation and lees contact. The Lustral Chardonnay 2021 is a masterpiece of her craft, offering notes of juicy lemon curd, honeyed apricot, and almond pastry cream.

The Unique Charm of Ambar Estate's Lustral Chardonnay

Payne Brown's meticulous approach is evident in the Lustral Chardonnay 2021, a barrel selection that epitomizes precision. Using 35% new French oak for fermentation, this wine exhibits rich citrus flavors, complemented by elements of honey, lemongrass, sweet hay, and saline minerality. This exquisite bottle stands as a testament to Ambar Estate's dedication to producing fine wine.

Outpost and AXA's Napa Acquisition: A Triumph on Howell Mountain

Napa Valley is synonymous with world-class wines, and the recent acquisition of Outpost by AXA Millésimes is poised to strengthen this reputation. Managed by Christian Seely, AXA's search for premium terroir culminated in the high-altitude vineyards of Howell Mountain.

AXA Millésimes and the Exceptional Terroir of Howell Mountain

Outpost's vineyards, set at 700 meters above the fog line, benefit from the unique volcanic soils and distinct microclimate of Howell Mountain. The award-winning True Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, aged for 19 months in 90% new French oak, is a highlight. Both the 2021 and 2019 vintages showcase floral notes, juicy black and blue fruits, and a persistent, cool minerality.

Istria’s Viticultural Marvels from Above

Croatia’s Istria Peninsula, known for its olive oil and truffles, is also home to exceptional wines made from the versatile Malvasia Istriana grape. A recent vineyard tour by helicopter offered a breathtaking perspective of Istria’s prized vines.

Istria’s Distinguished Wineries and Their Signature Wines

Meneghetti’s Chardonnay-driven White 2017 and Kozlović’s Santa Lucia Malvazija 2015 stand out among Istria’s superb offerings. The latter is especially noteworthy for its dried apricot and acacia honey profile, coupled with vibrant freshness and a silky texture. For those seeking robust reds, Benvenuti’s Livio 2020 and Deklić’s Teran 2023 offer complex flavors, while Franković’s Luno d’Oro Moscato 2021 is an exemplary passito wine with floral and dried peach notes.

British Columbia's Resilience: A Showcase of Okanagan Whites

British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley has faced considerable challenges in recent years, from intense wildfires to severe frosts. Despite these hurdles, the region continues to produce outstanding wines.

Spotlight on Okanagan Valley’s Diverse White Wines

In response to these adversities, the BC government has allowed winemakers to source grapes externally to sustain the industry. Highlighted wines include Quails’ Gate Dry Riesling 2023, Mission Hill Family Estate Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2020, and Haywire Chardonnay 2021. Each offers unique flavors that reflect the resilience and innovation of Okanagan winemakers.

La Brune in Elgin: Terroir-Driven Excellence in South Africa

Nico Grobler’s deep-seated passion for Burgundian wine led to the establishment of La Brune in South Africa’s Elgin Valley. The estate is celebrated for its terroir-driven wines, characterized by remarkable freshness and complexity.

La Brune’s Notable Vintages and Burgundian Influence

La Brune’s array of wines, including The Valley Chardonnay and Pinot Noir 2023, draw clear inspiration from Burgundy. Yet, it's the single-vineyard selections such as La Brune Pinot Noir 2023 and La Brune Chardonnay 2023 that truly captivate. These wines are noted for their mineral purity, rich complexity, and thrilling acidity, heralding a promising future for this young estate.

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