Red Willow Vineyard Chardonnay
⏳ Drinking Window
2022 - 2027
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Pan-seared halibut, roasted chicken with herbs, creamy mushroom risotto
✨ Technical Specifications
Sourced from one of Washington State's most legendary and historic sites, the Owen Roe Red Willow Vineyard Chardonnay is a testament to the unique terroir of the far western Yakima Valley. Pioneered by the Sauer family, Red Willow Vineyard is famous for its steep slopes, ancient soils, and the iconic stone chapel that crowns its highest hill. While renowned for pioneering Rhône varieties in the state, Red Willow's high elevation and cooler microclimate also yield exceptional Chardonnay. Owen Roe crafts this wine to highlight the vineyard's signature vibrant acidity and mineral undertones, typically employing traditional barrel fermentation and French oak aging to impart a beautifully textured, creamy mouthfeel balanced by bright orchard fruit and subtle spice notes.
🍾 About the Producer
Founded in 1999 by winemaker David O'Reilly and Jerry McNally, Owen Roe was established with a mission to craft world-class, terroir-driven wines from the premier vineyard sites of the Pacific Northwest. Named in honor of the 17th-century Irish patriot Owen Roe O'Neill, the winery operates estate facilities and sources fruit spanning both Washington's Columbia and Yakima Valleys and Oregon's Willamette Valley. Owen Roe champions a low-intervention winemaking philosophy, utilizing gentle handling and thoughtful oak integration to articulate the distinctive character of esteemed vineyards such as DuBrul, Red Willow, and Union Gap. The producer is widely celebrated for its nuanced single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Cabernet Franc, alongside popular and characterful blends like Sinister Hand, Ex Umbris, and Abbot's Table.
🍇 Grape Varieties
Chardonnay