Walter Scott Chardonnay La Combe Verte 2022

Alcohol: 13%

Grape(s): Chardonnay

Localization: Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA

Tasting Notes: Ken and Erica are Oregon Chardonnay devotees and "La Combe Verte" is their most important release. As with all of their wines, this is made with native yeast. Elevage here is mostly in older puncheons (500-liter demi-muids). Minimum lees stirring and full malolactic. The palate accentuates notes of summer peach and bright lemon zest. As the wine evolves, layers of textures unfold to aromatic notes of crunchy nectarine and honeysuckle. Hints of hazelnut add dimension to the mineral and saline that linger on the finish.

The Domain: For husband and wife team of Erica Landon and Ken Pahlow, 2008 marked the launch of their dream in Oregon’s Willamette Valley: the formation of Walter Scott Wines. Ken had dreams of starting his own label, but had not truly achieved his goal until Erica inspired him to take the leap. In the Spring of that year the two partners emptied their meager retirement accounts and used the funds to design their label and get started. 

The name Walter Scott honors two men who meant the world to Ken. Walter, Ken's grandfather, was a flight engineer for Trans World Airlines. Walter always strived to make his dreams become reality. He was dynamic and adventurous; he did everything from building homes to riding motorcycles to flying planes. His influence taught Ken that there are no limits to what you can accomplish when you set your mind to it. Scott was Ken's nephew. Although his time was short, Scott was fearless. Much like his great grandfather, he never shied away from anything. Scott’s departure taught Ken that life is very short and you must act on your ambitions because you never know when your chance will pass.

Walter Scott Wines’ first vintage, La Combe Verte Pinot Noir, was produced in 2009 at Patricia Green Cellars where Ken traded harvest labor for winemaking space. For the following two vintages, Ken changed location to Evening Land where he began working alongside Dominique Lafon. In 2011, Walter Scott began making Chardonnay, which contributed significantly to both their growing production and group of loyal followers. In 2012, Ken and Erica began leasing their current winery space from the Casteel family of Bethel Heights, which is situated on Justice Vineyard in the Eola-Amity Hills American Viticultural Area, a sub-appellation of the Willamette Valley AVA. To help accomplish this big move Walter Scott needed some support, so Ken and Erica invited some friends to become part of the business. Sue and Andy Steinman joined the Walter Scott team just before the 2012 harvest.