A Master Sommelier and a Burgundian set out to make Oregon Chardonnay.
The story
Lingua Franca is a Willamette Valley project founded by Master Sommelier Larry Stone, with Dominique Lafon of Burgundy’s Domaine des Comtes Lafon as consulting winemaker. Thomas Savre, who trained at Domaine de la Romanée-Conti and the Seysses estate, makes the wines. The first vintage was 2015. The Estate Chardonnay is 100% estate-grown in Eola-Amity Hills, on stony, volcanic soils with steep slopes and cooling breezes. The vines are farmed with biodynamic preparations.
In the glass
Jasmine, gardenia, lemon blossom and creamy lemon custard on the nose, with a touch of grapefruit zest. Round and fresh on the palate, with green apple and chamomile, then a long, floral, saline finish.
On the table
- Gulf lump crab with brown butter (the Texas pairing)
- Roasted salmon
- Seared scallops
- Roast chicken with herbs
- Soft, creamy cheeses
Wine Dad tip
Serve at about 52°F. A 20-minute decant opens it up. Drinking window: now through roughly 2034, and Jeb Dunnuck says it drinks well for about ten years.
Quick facts
- Grape: 100% Chardonnay
- Appellation: Eola-Amity Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon
- Fermentation and aging: Wild yeast in French oak puncheons (27% new), 11 months on lees, then 5 months in tank
- ABV: 13.5%
- Scores (2022 only): Jeb Dunnuck 94, James Suckling 93, Vinous 93
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