By Violet Vines
2023 Estate Chardonnay 'Gracie Fehr'

The Wine
Our inaugural Estate Chardonnay is comprised of 65% clone 95 and 35% clone 76 Chardonnay. On the palate, the wine displays an abundance of florals and minerality, making this an exceptionally elegant wine with complexity and balance.

Vineyard
Violet Vines Vineyard is comprised of 88 acres in the foothills of the McMinnville AVA in Oregon's Willamette Valley. Elevations reach 650 feet above sea level and benefit from the cool nights and steady afternoon Van Duzer cooling winds. The vineyard is dry-farmed with vines meticulously hand-pruned and hand-harvested.

Vintage
The 2023 growing season was brilliant throughout and laid the foundation for an outstanding vintage. The year started slowly with a cool, wet spring, resulting in a slight delay in bud break. The remainder of the growing season was warm, steady, and dry with only one brief temperature spike. Despite predictions of a delayed harvest, the fruit ripened on time and showed great promise immediately.

Production
The fruit was hand-harvested in September 2023, then hard-sorted and pressed. The Chardonnay was then fermented and aged in barrels for nine months with weekly lees stirring. The wine went through near-complete malolactic fermentation.

Wine Details
Appellation: McMinnville AVA
Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Aging: 9 months in barrels
pH: 3.15
Titratable Acidity: 6.2 g/L
Alcohol: 13.50%
Bottling Date: June 25, 2024
Release Date: July 19, 2024

Tasting Notes
Aromas and flavors of Asian pear are present, but more notably, exotic florals and minerality really shine through this wine from start to finish. Lightly baked pastry notes and a pleasant mouthfeel are notable evidence of lees contact.
[Information provided by Matador Vino]

Wine: VIOLET VINES Chardonnay, McMinnville 'Gracie-Fehr Violet Vines Estate' 2023
Score/Rating: 93
Suggested Drinking Window: 2025-2033
Review Date: 06/2025
Reviewed By: Jeremy Young
Tasting Notes: The 2023 Violet Vines Gracie-Fehr Violet Vines Estate Chardonnay from McMinnville presents a pale lemon hue with a glistening rim. Aromas unfold with yellow apple, toasted walnut shells, and hints of savory herbs, with a hint of pepper spices. On the palate, tart green apple and saline breeze bring freshness and verve, supported by a racy line of acidity that sharpens the wine's edges. The finish is bright and focused, leaving behind both citrus lift and savory nuance.

Wine: Violet Vines 2023 Gracie-Fehr Estate Chardonnay (McMinnville)
Score/Rating: 92
Review Date: 09/01/2025
Reviewed By: Michael Alberty
Tasting Notes: A desert oasis comes to mind as this Chardonnay's Golden Delicious apple aroma mixes with a sesame oil, thyme and sumac combination that reminded me of a nice batch of za'atar. Things turned more traditional on the palate, with tangy Granny Smith apple and salted sunflower seed flavors zipping[,] complementing a crisp texture and blazing acidity. 

Wine: Violet Vines 2023 Chardonnay Gracie-Fehr
Score/Rating: 89
Suggested Drinking Window: 2025 - 2027
Review Date: 07/2025
Reviewed By: Eric Guido
Tasting Notes: The 2023 Chardonnay Gracie-Fehr wafts up with a smoky blend of crushed rocks, lemon zest and apricot. Silky textures and ripe pit fruits are supported by juicy acidity. A subtle mineral crunch and floral persistence remain through the finish.