What once was a rundown walnut and fruit orchard is now the Nicholas Vineyard and estate to Anam Cara Cellars in Oregon’s Chehalem Mountains appellation. Nick and Sheila Nicholas purchased the property in 2001 after a global career stint and named it Anam Cara which, in respects to Sheila’s Scottish heritage, is Celtic for “friend of my soul.” From a fairly young vineyard block, they pulled their dual Dijon clone Chardonnay for the second harvest of this wine. Through L.I.V.E. (Low Input Viticulture and Enology), Salmon Safe and sustainable practices, Anam Cara shoots for a minimalist approach with “hands off” winemaking—the 2012 Nicholas Estate Chardonnay is fermented in small stainless steel tanks with little interference. Vivid and dynamic, this wine tells Chardonnay naysayers to shut up and sit down. Fresh and full of life, the wine shows unadulterated Chardonnay tones of honeysuckle, lemon curd, guava, pear and herbal tones in the back. The palate is more of the same, with a citrus zest and lively acid finish.
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