
Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley
BACKGROUND
Father/daughter winemaking team, Mike and Natalie, love this vineyard
source for their Chardonnay. The northern location gives way to cool nights, which
allow sugars to mature and acid levels to stay intact. They enjoy offering an
approachable, often fruity, Chardonnay, with just a hint of oak.
SOURCING
Familigia Vineyards, 100% Chardonnay
WINEMAKING
2018 was an interesting year for grape growing. Each month the
temperatures were on one side of the spectrum of hot and cold. In April, it was cold
enough that bud break was late. Then May was one of the warmest on record,
putting ripening ahead of schedule. This was followed by June, which was cooler than
normal. July and August temperatures were so warm, that heading into veraison,
2018 was looking to be the warmest on record. But then it cooled significantly in mid-
September,creatingidealconditionsforthegrapesstillonthevine. Our
Chardonnay was allowed two extra weeks on the vine compared to 2016 vintage,
which gave the fruit tons of flavor, especially tropical. The wine was fermented in
stainless steel at cooler temperatures, to retain its forward fruit characteristics. A
Malolactic bacterium was added to cause a nearly complete secondary fermentation,
softening the acids and smoothing out the wine. 3 months in 100% new French oak
rounded the finish.
ANALYSIS
Harvest Data: October 10, 2018 Brix: 23.8 TA: 0.66 pH: 3.2
Alc.: 13.0% RS: 0.1 %
Bottled: August 13, 2019 | 683 cases | Released: December 2019
WINEMAKERS
Mike Conway and Natalie Conway-Barnes
TASTING NOTES
This wine opens up with aromas of lemon, golden apple and butter. The
rich and creamy mouthfeel begins with flavors of mango and pineapple, mingled with
soft oak, while lemon and mineral nuances linger. A nearly complete malolactic
fermentation and 3 months in French oak lends to a smooth, velvety, and lightly
toasted finish.
FOOD PAIRING
Enjoy this wine with Fish, Seafood, Cream Sauces, Salads, Pork, and Lighter
Beef Meals. Try Ellena’s Red Onion Chardonnay Soup recipe, Ellena’s Fettuccine
Alfredo recipe, or Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders recipe, all published in her latest
cookbook, available for sale at the winery.
Awards and Accolades
’18 Vintage
Silver, Dan Berger International Wine Competition 2019
Silver, Savor NW Wine Awards 2020
87 points, Savor NW Wine Awards 2020