Holden Wine Company Johan Vineyard Chardonnay 2014 750ML ($27.95) Buy Now: $24 special
Holden Wine Company Johan Vineyard Chardonnay 2014
I’ve been training myself off of superlatives lately – wine sales and criticism bear no shortage of ’em, after all, and ‘Best Ever’ doesn’t carry the same weight after a half-dozen or more proclamations. Even so, I’ll proudly confess that this year, I have yet to experience a white wine as lovely as Holden’s 2014 Chardonnay.
Holden’s offerings are marked with an energetic, unique edge; you’re welcome to call them anything you’d like outside of ‘boring.’ While value is meaningless without quality and quality suffers when value is lacking, their Chardonnay delivers such a lovely combination of the two. I can’t really say enough good things about their lineup, so I’ll wrap things up with a few thirst-inspiring descriptors…
The Johan Chardonnay is layered and nuanced, going through malolactic fermentation while being spared overmanipulation. Effects of lemondrop, honey, and wild herbs coat the palate gently with a breezy, acid-tinged finish bringing it all together. It’s rich without being oaky and complex without seeming distracted. Oregon Chardonnay lovers, as well as anyone else searching for a hidden gem, might find themselves right at home here. – Tyler