Walter Scott Chardonnay Eola-Amity Hills X Novo Vineyard 2023

Producer notes: X Novo stands out with a remarkably diverse 20 clones of Chardonnay, intricately woven and densely spaced within the 2-acre block. Situated in the coveted Spring Valley of the southern Eola-Amity, X Novo occupies the edge of the Holmes Gap, where the invigorating Van Duzer winds sweep through the undulating hills. This unique site reveals exceptionally rocky Gelderman clays, intensifying concentration of its wine. In 2021, an adjacent 20-acre plot of land consisting of existing older vines and cultivable land was acquired and integrated into the original site. Walter Scott sources the entirety of the original plantings, harvesting them at the same time and co-fermenting the block in order to show the complexity possible with this diverse crop.
X Novo Chardonnay is both exotic and compelling, offering an aromatic journey of golden rose, jasmine, citrus blossom, and caramelized Meyer lemon, seamlessly layered with the sharp edge of steely flint. The palate is a masterclass in balance and intensity, revealing vibrant notes of lemongrass, ripe Mirabelle plum, candied citrus, and the creamy allure of passionfruit curd. A mineral-driven backbone of wet stone adds depth, leading to a saline, irresistibly mouthwatering finish that lingers elegantly.