“A wonderful time-travel wine…” says Wine Enthusiast

So, buckle up!

Heralded as “arguably one of the most interesting people in the American wine sector to keep an eye on” by Press Democrat, serial ‘vintrepreneur’ Baron Ziegler is simply unstoppable. Banshee, Valkyrie Imports, Halcón, Marine Layer, Avarean… his name is attached to some of the tastiest projects around.

This Chardonnay oozes with class and deliciousness one expects from its lineage. For under $30, and with 92 points from Enthusiast, it’s a table-pounding, resounding YES from us!

Chehalem Mountains leads among Oregon appellations, with visionaries like Beaux Frères, Bergström, Chehalem, Patricia Green, and Ponzi calling it home. Add to that the impeccable winemaking Avarean has recruited, and you have a winning formula.

Avarean wines are overseen by top consultant Rob Fischer of Domaine Carneros, Donum Estate, Ancien, Etude”” with Mordechai Kotler, who comes from **Soter leading the day-to-day winemaking.

This single vineyard Chardonnay focusing on the Mount Eden and Calera clones is from the Chehalem Mountain Vineyard planted by pioneer Dick Erath in 1968. As Patricia Green attests “this site carries a significance in the history of the Oregon wine industry that simply cannot be understated.” Avarean carries this legacy with an impeccable example.

Brilliant pale gold, it glimmers with appeal, with fresh and pithy lemon-lime, white peach and pineapple nuances adding layers. There’s a hint of sweet vanilla peeking through the vibrant acidity that wakes the palate up from the creamy midpalate. The finish is crisp and clean, with sends to a throwback era when it was “balance” that mattered first and foremost, bringing early appeal as well as longevity. What a feat!

While Vinous did not review this wine, they wrote “The 2019s are extremely good and in line with the high quality I’ve come to expect since the project was launched by Baron Ziegler in 2016. These are fruit-driven, well-balanced wines, sourced from some of the Willamette Valley’s best vineyards. They show a lot of immediate appeal, with well-judged oak… excellent value.”

And that’s before we went in and got the best price anywhere for you as always.

Will it last long? We doubt it.

92 Points – Wine Enthusiast

“Sourced from Dick Erath’s 1968 planting, this shows the power and precision of old vine fruit, along with unique clones from Mount Eden and Calera. A wonderful time-travel wine, this mixes green apple, citrus and green melon fruit with softer flavors from aging in once-used French oak.”