While I have done tastings like this with the Goodfellow Chardonnays, I think this is the first time I’ve tried multiple vintages of the X-Novo side-by-side. I would have difficulty picking an ultimate favorite between the '16 and the '18. The '16 is understandably more ready (although all three wines are still tasting young), but the balance on the '18 is pretty impressive for such a young wine. I guess that I’ve caught the '16 just as it is starting to blossom, the '18 before it shuts down, and the '17 when it is squarely in that awkward, transitional stage. My better half is grilling up some salmon burgers tonight, and I think these Walter Scott wines should provide a nice pairing with the food.
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2016 Walter Scott Chardonnay X-Novo Vineyard - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Eola - Amity Hills (1/6/2021)
Expansive on the palate with lively acidity and good persistence. Tart fruit. Reductive petrol note on the nose. Quite Burgundian, a pleasure to drink now, but it also feels like better things may still come to those who wait. -
2017 Walter Scott Chardonnay X-Novo Vineyard - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Eola - Amity Hills (1/6/2021)
Less reductive on the nose than the '16 I just tried, but also less expansive on the palate. Seems lighter-bodied as well - today, I find this less compelling than the 2016. -
2018 Walter Scott Chardonnay X-Novo Vineyard - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Eola - Amity Hills (1/6/2021)
Might be my first time trying this vintage. And as young as this is, very appealing. More reductive on the nose than the '17 but less than the '16. Focused & lively on the palate - at this point, not as expansive as the 2016, but there is some serious potential here.
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