From: Willamette Valley, Oregon
Varietal: Chardonnay
Shea Wine Cellars is the winemaking effort of grape growers Dick & Deirdre Shea. After ten years of selling all their grape production they decided to create their own expression of Shea Vineyard terroir.
They now use 20% of Shea Vineyard’s production for their own effort and sell the remaining grapes to some of the finest Pinot noir producers in Oregon, California and Washington.
It is the intention of Shea Wine Cellars to continue to make small quantities of world class Pinot noir and Chardonnay.
The Facts
Shea vineyard sits on sedimentary soil over fractured sandstone. Vine spacing is 5×7 yielding 1,245 plants per acre. Shea was one of the early vineyards in this area of Yamhill Country and on this soil type. Today, the vineyard is surrounded by some of the premiere wineries making Pinot noir in the “New World.”
Sustainable Farming
Being stewards of the land we farm is an important responsibility to us. With that in mind, we farm Shea Vineyard using sustainable methods as prescribed by LIVE. From the LIVE website: “Since 1999, LIVE has independently certified the sustainable practices of winegrowers in the Pacific Northwest, using the latest in university research and internationally accredited standards. We provide regional education to preserve the human and natural resources of the wine industry.” We have been farming by these principles for more than 10 years but have now made the decision to pursue formal certification from LIVE. We expect to receive certification for the 2020 vintage.
Tasting Notes: Great for food pairing or delightful by itself, our Chardonnay has all the bright, crisp, balanced acidity one expects from this varietal when grown in a cool climate. Pear aromatics with hints of lemongrass lead into a beautiful palate of stone fruits.
