2021 Domaine Serene Etoile Vineyard

Etoile, the “sunset vineyard,” is located high atop the renowned Dundee Hills of Oregon on the west-facing slope of the Evenstad Estate. This dry-farmed, three-acre vineyard ranges from 800 to 825 feet in elevation. Planted to Dijon clones in Jory soil, this wine exhibits the most Chablis-like profile of our Chardonnays.

This 2021 vintage of the Etoile Chardonnay has a terrific mouth feel and a wonderful texture on the palate. The nose and palate is similar to the taste and smell of a key lime pie with honeysuckle blossom and lemon verbena. There is a long, lingering, and creamy finish. This is a light-bodied wine that will pair well with light salads and seafood dishes.

Technical Details

Vintage: 2021
Varietal: Chardonnay

Varietal

100% Chardonnay
Appellation

Dundee Hills
Harvest Date

9/10/21 & 9/15/21
Bottling Date

2/23/23
Barrel Aging

16 months, French Oak
Alcohol %

13.7%

Distinguished Recognition Accolades & Reviews

96 points

Owen Bargreen

"This comes from the western side of the Dundee Hills property which is a western facing site that is typically picked the latest of the single vineyard locations which was planted back in 1999. The nose is heady and intense with lemon oil, white truffle, roasted Macadamia nut and sides of Gravenstein apple. Rich and intense with a soft mouthfeel and glorious length, this is beautiful wine that is drinking beautiful even at the two year mark Drink 2023-2038"
96 points

Audrey Frick

"Bright straw/silver-colored, the 2021 Chardonnay Etoile Vineyard is produced from Dijon clones planted in Jory soil at 800-820 feet elevation ... I love the nose, which opens to notes of lime leaf, salty earth, white peach, button mushroom, and wet stone. The palate comes to life with fantastic balance, a harmonious feel, a wonderful, fresh core of concentration, a ripe spine of acidity, and a long, elegant finish. It’s a fantastic wine to drink over the coming 10-12 years."
95 points

Jeremy Young

"Lots of great sun exposure and winds from the Van Duzer corridor create the opulent 2021 Etoile Chardonnay from Domaine Serene. Made from 100% clone 76 from the single vineyard, it presents a lovely light to medium lemon core with a watery rim. A bit more body and structure is present across the mouthfeel with lovely flavors and aromas of mountain meadow breeze, pea shoots, fresh apricots, sliced green apple, and dried mint."
94 points

Michael Alberty

"I could not stop inhaling this wine's aromas of chanterelle mushrooms sauteed in lemon butter served with a cup of lemongrass tea laced with honey. Etoile's equally enticing flavors of lemon-lime tarts and mineral-laden spring water are backed by sparkling acidity. Enjoy with poached halibut and any Catherine Deneuve flick."

The Evenstad Estate
- Year Planted: 1993
- Varietals: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
- AVA: Dundee Hills
- Elevation: 520-825 ft
- Total Acreage: 142
- Planted Acreage: 84
Crowning the southernmost peak of the Dundee Hills, the seven vineyards of this estate have multiple exposures and produce some of our most prized wines, including Mark Bradford, Grace, Fleur de Lis, Gold Eagle, Côte Sud, Clos du Soleil and Etoile.