Crisp golden apple, salted dough, barely-ripe peach. Pineapple core, young jasmine, citrus zest. Crystalline waves of fresh and focused fruit led by juicy Meyer lemon, Anjou pear, and honeydew flutter with expressive yet thoroughly pretty persistence as hints of nutmeg, clove, and cinnamon gently reveal a delicate thread of baking spices. Notes of brioche, baker's yeast, and cheese rind gracefully emerge to expose wonderful leasy complexity while suggestions of yogurt and light cream provide just a pinch of softness. Elegant floral tones of citrus blossom and honeysuckle playfully enhance aromatics as flecks of stoney minerality and fresh salinity inject pleasant underlying earthiness. Delightfully clean, pure, and polished on the nose with impressive precision, tension, and breadth on the palate; exhibiting a deep yet delicate presentation that manages to remain texturally complex while still deliciously crisp, bright, and energetic. Medium in body and flawlessly balanced by a pronounced streak of acidity. This 2017 "Signature" Willamette Valley Chardonnay by Alexana Winery is a remarkably vibrant and captivating white from Oregon.

While Burgundy is unquestionably the world leader in the production of top-tier Chardonnay, many new world producers are leveraging their region's best terroirs to create wines that are nearly as impressive and compelling. This bottling, crafted by Alexana Winery using a selection of their best barrels of Willamette Valley Chardonnay, showcases just how serious of a competitor Oregon is becoming to Burgundy's best. Notably reminiscent of Premier Cru Montrachet in style, this wine pulses in the glass with profound yet electric yellow fruits enhanced by gorgeous bready tones, delicate florals, mild creaminess, and just a hint of oak spice. Now at four years of age this still comes across as quite youthful and energetic, and will certainly develop positively in bottle for another half decade or more. Excellent.