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Whale Light 2023 Chardonnay Columbia Valley, Washington

2023 Columbia Valley Chardonnay

Whale Light Whale Light is a delicate Chardonnay from the Columbia Valley region, boasting a light body that gracefully carries refreshing white fruit flavors. Its acidity is subtle, enhancing the overall crispness of the wine. The fruit intensity in this Chardonnay is moderate, offering a pleasant balance that complements its subtle dryness. The 2023 vintage showcases the best of this renowned grape variety in a bottle, making it a perfect choice for those who appreciate elegant, easy-drinking white wines.

Tasting notes:

This wine beautifully showcases the layered characteristics typical of a Columbia Valley Chard—aromas of ripe melon and pineapple, notes of apple, pear, and a hint of lemon curd creaminess with the lightest touch of oak, which carries through to a smooth and creamy finish. 2025 International Women's Winemaking Challenge describes it as "Silky tropical fruit, pineapple and papaya".

Apple Pie

Butter

Vanilla

Flavor profile:

Acidity Medium

Low Pronounced

Oak Oak 0

Low High

Body Medium

Very Light Full

Spiciness Spiciness 0

Low High

Tannin Pronounced

Low Pronounced

Fruit Intensity Medium

Low Pronounced

Sweetness Dry

Bone Dry Sweet

Color Intensity Color Intensity 2

Low High

Region:

Columbia Valley

Sheltered by the rain shadow of the Cascade Mountains, Columbia Valley is home to the majority of Washington's vineyards. Cool nights keep zippy acidity in the grapes, while long daylight hours give the fruit plenty of chance to ripen. This results in full-bodied Merlot, elegant Cabernet Sauvignon and deeply concentrated Syrah. White wines are just as tantalizing, with toasty oak-touched Chardonnay and ripe stone fruit-flavored Riesling taking the spotlight. Sub-AVAs to look out for are Yakima Valley and Walla Walla. The Columbia Valley is one of the only appellations in the United States to occupy vineyards in two states, as it crosses the Oregon border in the southern part of the valley.

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