Nicolas-Jay · Affinités · Chardonnay · Willamette Valley, Oregon · 2023
The Moment
This is the bottle you open when you want clarity with comfort.
Bright but grounded. Precise but generous.
A Chardonnay that feels quietly confident — the kind that rewards attention without demanding it.
What It Feels Like
The nose opens with lemon flower, green melon, and citrus blossom, followed by tangerine peel, quince, and river stone. There’s a soft cereal note and a hint of rain-on-rock that keeps everything lifted and clean.
On the palate, the wine is linear and focused, driven by Granny Smith apple, apricot pulp, and stone-fruit minerality. The texture is silky and composed, with subtle French oak adding quiet weight rather than flavor. Acidity carries the wine long and clean, finishing with a gentle saline snap.
This is Chardonnay with tension — bright, mineral, and beautifully resolved.
Why We Love This Bottle
Because it proves Chardonnay doesn’t have to shout to be expressive.
This wine balances precision and generosity — a bottle that works just as well on a quiet night in as it does at a full table. It’s thoughtful, versatile, and deeply food-friendly without ever feeling heavy.
Pair It With (From the Shop)
- Espinaler White Tuna Belly (Ventresca) — richness meets minerality; olive oil and citrus notes align perfectly
- Water Crackers + Camembert Cheese Spread — softens the acidity and highlights the wine’s silky texture
- Galician Mussels in Pickled Sauce — acidity + saline finish = effortless harmony
Also great with: roast chicken, seared scallops, creamy pasta, or simply good bread and olive oil.
The Details
- Grape: 100% Chardonnay
- Region: Willamette Valley, Oregon
- Farming: Sustainable
- Oak: Subtle, well-integrated French oak
- Style: Dry, mineral-driven, textured
- ABV: ~13%
Category – Still White → Crisp & Mineral
Coelho Winery · Pinot Noir · Willamette Valley, Oregon · 2023
The Moment
This is the bottle you open when you want Pinot in its most honest, joyful form — bright fruit, lifted aromatics, and zero heaviness. It’s made for relaxed nights, shared plates, and that second glass you didn’t plan on.
What It Feels Like
The nose is immediately expressive and playful. Crushed raspberries and red cherries lead, followed by wild herbs, dried lavender, and a subtle citrus lift. There’s a floral, almost pastry-like softness in the background that keeps everything light and inviting rather than sharp.
On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied but nimble, driven by cranberry and raspberry fruit with a gentle cola note weaving through the mid-palate. Bright, mouthwatering acidity keeps the wine fresh and energetic from start to finish.
The tannins are light and slightly chalky, providing just enough structure without interrupting the flow.
The finish is clean, flavorful, and quietly persistent — refreshing rather than weighty.
Perfect For
Charcuterie and snack boards
Roasted chicken or turkey
Grilled vegetables and mushrooms
Pizza, sliders, or casual comfort food
Lightly chilled drinking
The Vibe Pairing
Playlist energy: Indie folk, soft rock, laid-back afternoon vinyl
Aura color: Raspberry, soft rose, warm clay
Time of day: Late afternoon → early evening → “one more glass”
Why We Love It
This is Pinot Noir that leans into freshness and drinkability without sacrificing character. Bright fruit, lifted aromatics, and balanced structure make it an easy yes — approachable, versatile, and exactly what modern Pinot should feel like.
West Seattle Wine Cellars 