Chardonnay

WINE #1

2022 Boundary Breaks
Chardonnay
Finger Lakes, New York

A career shift at 50 led Bruce Murray from the world of New York City publishing to the fertile grounds of the Finger Lakes AVA. In 2007, he purchased a 120-acre plot on Seneca Lake, transforming former soybean and cornfields into a vineyard. The transition, as Bruce says, felt natural: "It offered a similar level of risk and challenge I craved." Growing up near the Finger Lakes, Bruce recognized the region's unique potential for cool-climate Vitis vinifera grapes. "The climate here hits a sweet spot," he explains, "allowing these grapes to flourish and produce exceptional wines, particularly Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Cabernet Franc."

The Finger Lakes region shares a climate with Chablis in France, which imparts a crisp, refreshing acidity to our wines. Unlike oaky, buttery Chardonnays, this wine skips oak aging and instead gains a creamy, rounded flavor from contact with the yeast lees, avoiding an overly austere profile.

WINE #2

2022 Child’s Play
Chardonnay
Willamette, Oregon

Child’s Play is the playful younger sister of Tendril Wine Cellars. It allows Tony Rynders, owner and winemaker, the opportunity to focus solely on the pleasure and fun of winemaking in the Pacific Northwest. The wines are straight-forward, fruit-focused, and with a purity of expression that epitomizes Willamette winemaking. The labels are based off of original artwork by Madeline and Audrey Rynders, Tony and Diane’s daughters.

Uplifting aromas of lime, pineapple and apple blossom. The palate is soft, with bright citrus notes giving way to ripe peaches and pears. Lovely persistent finish that dances lightly around the mouth.

WINE #3

2022 Good Harbor Vineyards
Chardonnay
Leelanau Peninsula, Michigan

Founded in 1980 by Bruce and Debbie Simpson, Good Harbor Vineyards reflects their commitment to crafting high-quality Michigan wines at an accessible price point. Bruce, a University of California Davis viticulture and enology graduate, planted the vineyards alongside Debbie. Good Harbor Vineyards boasts an extensive vineyard, a testament to years of research and development by the Simpson family. The tasting room experience is one to remember, thanks in part to the dedication of Debbie Simpson, known for her exceptional customer service, and her daughter Taylor, who continues the family legacy.

The aromas in this wine are bursting with big apple and bright lemon, mineral hints, and just a touch of peach. A round, rich midpalate and a lingering finish. Pair this wine with light pastas, salads, and light meats.