Item Number: 6874 UPC: None

Country: USA
Region: Washington Sub Region: Washington
Appellation/AVA: Washington
Vintage: 2012
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
Type: Wine - White
Bottle Size: 750ml Pack: 12
Closure: Cork
Alc by Vol(%): 13.9
Total Acidity: 0.62
pH: 3.58
Vineyard Sources: Celilo Vineyard, Conner Lee Vineyard
Aging: 100% French oak (40% new, 60% one and two-year-old) for 11 months

Vintage Information: The 2012 season was much warmer and a welcome change from the cooler 2010 and 2011 vintages however, the 2012 was more of a red vintage than a white vintage because of that heat. Abeja did make an amazing Washington State Chardonnay from the vintage, but had to be very critical with barrel selection. To find those with the finesse and food friendly, old-world style for which Abeja is known, required a willingness to declassify more than usual.

Abeja Chardonnay Tasting Notes: The 2012 Chardonnay is a bit more fruit forward than some of the previous vintages, which makes it fragrant and lush with nice acidity to balance. There is a nice combination of juicy fruit, white peach, tropical star fruit, and kiwi characters. Also, aromas of a perfectly-ripe banana combine beautifully with the vanilla characters from the French oak barrels. A touch of flint with a silky mouth feel round it out. This vintage should age well and be very pleasing over the next seven years.

Winemaker Notes: "We have been eating more fish lately and Chardonnay goes really well with lightly sauced seafood. Steamed mussels and crusty bread, olive oil poached tuna with soba noodles, or a mixture of shellfish and white fish sautéed with fruit and tomatoes are all good choices. For extra credit, try troll caught salmon salad with sliced mango! This music pairing came to me when I was pressing the Celilo Chardonnay in early October. I couldn’t get the song Bennie and the Jets out of my head and so it has to be Elton John’s Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. I do feel the album is a perfect match - enjoy!" - John Abbott