2018 Domaine Serene, “Evenstad Reserve” Chardonnay, Dundee Hills, $67

Winery Info: Founded in 1989 by Ken and Grace Evenstad in the Dundee Hills in the northern Willamette Valley.    

Over the years it has become one of Oregon’s most prominent wineries. They have six distinct vineyard estates, with a diversity of soils, microclimates and clones, producing wines with remarkable complexity and elegance. They grow exclusively Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and practice environmentally responsible and sustainable farming. Ken and Grace have played an important role in the promotion of Oregon wines over the years, and have also been very active philanthropists. Sadly, Ken passed away in October 2021 after a long history of pulmonary issues.

Winemaker: Michael Fay

Grapes: 100% Chardonnay, Dijon clone. Aged about 13 months in French oak, 30% new.

Vineyard: A blend of select barrels from their estate vineyard in the Dundee Hills. They find that the combination of Dijon clone vines, Jory soil, and the high elevation of the Dundee Hills provides fruit of unparalleled quality for this reserve wine.

Flavor Profile: A pure, elegant Chard, with flavors of white fruit, brioche, and Meyer lemon, and perfectly integrated notes of oak. It is utterly elegant and balanced with just the right touch of fresh acidity.

Availability: This wine is still in decent supply with the distributor.

Drinking Window: Enjoy anytime over the next five years.

Food Pairing: The winery suggests pairing it with turkey roulade with sausage cornbread stuffing. This could be a beautiful white wine for your Thanksgiving meal. Or you could try it with lobster pot pie!

2020 Patricia Green, Willamette Valley Sauvignon Blanc, $27

Winery Info: Patty Green and her business and winemaking partner, Jim Anderson, founded Patricia Green Cellars in 2000. It quickly became one of Oregon’s most respected wineries, even though they always preferred to keep a low profile and did not seek out accolades or recognition. Patty died suddenly in November 2017, a great loss to the Oregon wine community. Jim notes, “We had a special simpatico type of relationship and we learned lessons together over 25 years so the beauty and special nature of the wines from Patricia Green Cellars is going to live on.”

Winemaker: Jim Anderson

Grapes: 100% Sauvignon Blanc, fermented and aged primarily in stainless steel and a bit in concrete. Very little Sauv Blanc is grown in Oregon, although the grape is well suited to the geology and climate of the Willamette Valley. Patricia Green’s production of Sauv Blanc is one of the largest in Oregon.

Vineyards: Their estate vineyard in Ribbon Ridge, Oster Vineyard on the eastern side of the Willamette Valley, and Durant Vineyard in the Dundee Hills.

Flavor Profile: Bright, fresh and aromatic, with notes of orchard fruit and a touch of straw and minerals. Its nice, crisp acidity is wonderfully balanced by its lovely texture and soft touch of richness.

Availability: Just under 600 cases made. The distributor is out of this vintage.

Drinking Window: Enjoy anytime over the next few years.

Food Pairing: The winery says this wine goes well with a wide variety of foods, such as denser white fish, sushi, spicier Asian-influenced dishes, risotto, or grilled chicken or pork.