New World Wine, Old World Style: 70% Off Boutique Willamette Chardonnay

Ryan Woodhouse | K&L Domestic Wine Buyer | Review Date: March 26, 2025

I love Oregon Chardonnay, and I was still seriously impressed by the quality of this wine. Open Claim is a tiny boutique producer with a perfectly situated estate in the newly accredited Mt. Pisgah AVA in the Willamette Valley. Their vineyard sits on a sloping hillside on the southern edge of the Van Duzer Corridor, a break in the coastal mountain range that allows cool air in from the Pacific. The vines grow in pure marine sedimentary soils—an ancient seabed similar to the soils of Champagne or Chablis in Burgundy. The vines are hand-tended using only organic methods, producing limited yields of pristine, flavorful fruit.

For winemaking, Open Claim enlisted the help of Oregon icon Tony Rynders. Tony started making wine in California in 1989 before moving to Oregon in the mid-1990s. He made wines at several prominent estates, including Argyle, Panther Creek, and Zena Crown, and served as head winemaker at Domaine Serene for ten years. He is undoubtedly one of the most talented winemakers in Oregon wine history.

Fruit from the estate is whole-cluster pressed into premium French oak barrels and fermented with native yeast. After 16 months of élevage in 30% new oak, the wine rests in tanks to integrate before bottling. The results are stunning. The wine has a beautiful nose of golden fruits, powdery floral tones, underlying saline minerals, and a subtle hazelnut richness. On the palate, you'll find golden pears poached in salted butter, more oyster shell minerality, a luxurious texture, and incredible depth—all balanced by fresh, vibrant, tingling acidity.

I love the richness and power this Chardonnay brings to the table, yet it never loses its focus or freshness. It's an incredible wine that we're offering at an almost unbelievable price.

Aaron Hughes | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 24, 2025

A tense nose emerges from the bottle—with hints of honey that quickly expand to reveal intensely ripe pear and pithy lemon zest, complemented by creamy, toasty oak and subtle barrel spice. The palate is soft and lithe, with balanced acidity and remarkable weight and mouthfeel, exuding an elegant, refined character. Apricots and slightly under-ripe nectarines mingle with citrus pith, soy sauce, and dark stone minerality, further enhanced by gentle toast and a touch of savoriness from the barrel. For anyone seeking a Chardonnay with a softly oaked backbone paired with exceptional lightness and finesse, this wine is sure to hit the spot.

Kerry Kirkham | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 07, 2025

Sensual baked apple, apricot, subtle notes of roasted pineapple, golden flaky pastry and soft oak spices. Composed of Clones 95 and 96 Chardonnaydry farmed and organic. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. Truly small lot, artisan winemakingonly 171 cases were produced. This is a fantastic buy for those seeking flavorful Chardonnay that maintains poise and elegance.