Walter Scott Chardonnay Eola-Amity Hills Cuvée Anne 2022

94+ points Erin Brooks (Wine Advocate): "The 2022 Chardonnay Cuvée Anne comes from several vineyards (Justice, Koosah, Sojeau and Witness Tree) located on both volcanic and marine sedimentary soils. It was fermented and aged in 45% new, 350- and 500-liter barrels for 12 months, plus an additional four months in stainless steel. The nose presents deep, savory scents of matchstick, roasted almonds, honey, pastry and golden apples. The light-bodied palate offers concentrated flavors that are more open and expansive than the nose at this stage. It has a seamless spine of acidity that drives its flavors into a long finish and calls you back for another sip. Give it 2–3 years in bottle or a few hours in a decanter—it opens dramatically with air. 750 cases were made. Drink: 2025-2040. (Jul 2024)"

94 points Clive Pursehouse (Decanter): "The Cuvée Anne may serve as an introduction to the intensity of the Walter Scott single-vineyard Chardonnays. This barrel selection brings together fruit from the Justice, Koosah, Sojeau, and Witness Tree Vineyards. A fruity depth flashes across the aromatics with honeyed ginger, apricot flesh, dried white flowers, and a nutty, savoury note. The palate is rich and juicy, with a smoky lemon peel element brightening riper stone fruits and a poached peach richness. Drinking Window: 2024-2038. (5/30/24)"

Producer notes: "Cuvee Anne emanates a sense of clarity and precision, unveiling a bouquet of floral intrigue, as honeysuckle, lemon myrtle and orange blossom gracefully entwine, delicately complimented by a subtle hint of oyster shell. The palate boasts savory herb freshness at the forefront, followed by a focused acidity, rich with juicy mandarin orange alongside the essence of ripe yellow and white peaches. While retaining its classic Chardonnay character, the 2022 Cuvee Anne delivers an unparalleled density and power along with its generously mouth watering finish. Only 750 cases produced."