Domaine Serene Evenstad Reserve Chardonnay
White wine, full-bodied, traditional method barrel-fermented style. · Domaine Serene, owned by Ken and Grace Evenstad. A premier luxury estate in Oregon credited with elevating the state's global reputation. They are a high-end boutique producer modeled after top Burgundian domaines.
Vintage: Recent typical releases (like 2019-2021) have seen excellent balance, with 2019 being classic and elegant, and 2021 showing great concentration due to a warm but manageable summer.
Type
White wine, full-bodied, traditional method barrel-fermented style.
Producer
Domaine Serene, owned by Ken and Grace Evenstad. A premier luxury estate in Oregon credited with elevating the state's global reputation. They are a high-end boutique producer modeled after top Burgundian domaines.
Country
United States. Oregon is a leading New World region for cool-climate viticulture, known for strict labeling laws and high-quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Vintage
Recent typical releases (like 2019-2021) have seen excellent balance, with 2019 being classic and elegant, and 2021 showing great concentration due to a warm but manageable summer.
Region & Appellation
Dundee Hills AVA, Willamette Valley, Oregon.
Grape Varieties
100% Chardonnay. Specifically featuring Dijon clones known for early ripening and high acidity suited for the Dundee Hills terroir.
Color & Appearance
Brilliant straw-gold with high clarity and thick legs indicating significant concentration.
Aroma Profile
Complex nose of Meyer lemon, yellow apple, and white flowers, layered with secondary scents of toasted brioche, hazelnut, and salted butter from oak and malolactic fermentation.
Tasting Notes
A harmonious balance of lush fruit and vibrant acidity. The entry is silk-textured, leading to a mid-palate of stone fruit and integrated spice, finishing with a long, mineral-driven persistence.
Flavor Profile
Lemon curd, crisp pear, nectarine, and a distinct touch of vanilla bean and toasted almond. A signature flinty minerality often appears on the finish.
Body & Texture
Medium to full-bodied with a creamy, round mouthfeel achieved through lees stirring (bâtonnage), yet remains nimble on the palate.
Acidity & Tannins
High, bright acidity that provides structural tension. No grape tannins, but light wood tannin from quality French oak provides a structured frame.
Sweetness Level
Bone dry, typically <2.0 g/L residual sugar.
Alcohol Content
13.5% to 14.5% ABV, typically well-integrated without feeling hot.
Aging & Oak
Aged for approximately 12 months in French oak barrels (around 30-40% new), followed by additional time in bottle before release.
Food Pairings
Lobster with drawn butter, Dungeness crab, roasted chicken with cream sauce, or aged Gruyère cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Serve at 50-55°F (10-13°C) in a wide-bowled Chardonnay glass. Decanting for 30 minutes can help open up the oak and fruit integration.
Price Range
$65 - $85 USD. A luxury price point that reflects its status as one of Oregon's benchmark Chardonnays.
Quality Assessment
Consistently scores 92-95 points from major critics (Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast). It is considered a 'Super-Premium' domestic Chardonnay.
Production Methods
Hand-picked and hand-sorted. Whole-cluster pressed and fermented in French oak. Full malolactic fermentation and extended aging on the lees with stirring.
Terroir
Volcanic Jory soils typical of the Dundee Hills, high elevation providing cool nights for acid retention, and maritime influences from the Pacific Ocean.
History & Heritage
Founded in 1989, Domaine Serene famously beat DRC (Domaine de la Romanée-Conti) in a blind tasting, cementing its place in wine history.
Interesting Facts
The Evenstad Reserve is the flagship blend of the estate's finest vineyard blocks. The Evenstads also own a property in Burgundy, Château de la Crée.
Cellaring Potential
Excellent. This wine is approachable upon release but has the structure to age for 7 to 12 years, developing deeper nut and honey characteristics.
Similar Wines
Kistler McCrea Vineyard, Aubert Chardonnay, or a Meursault Premier Cru like 'Les Genevrières' from Burgundy.