Wautoma Springs Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, Washington

Lemon and ripe Anjou pear lead into subtle vanilla, with a medium-bodied palate shaped by clean, refreshing acidity. The 2023 Wautoma Springs Chardonnay is a small-production, 100% Chardonnay bottling from JMST Vineyard, fermented between stainless steel and French oak with a measured portion undergoing malolactic fermentation. Made by Winemaker and Co-Owner Jessica Munnell from fruit grown under Grape Grower and Co-Owner Tom Merkle, it reflects Wautoma Springs' hands-on approach to limited-production Washington wines and the close relationship between vineyard and cellar.

Product Details:

• Co-Owners: Jessica Munnell and Tom Merkle
• Winemaker: Jessica Munnell
• Grape Variety: 100% Chardonnay
• Vineyard: JMST Vineyard
• Fermentation: 40% French oak and 60% stainless steel
• Malolactic Fermentation: 20%
• ABV: 13%
• TA: 0.71
• pH: 3.54
• Production: 254 cases

Sensory Description:

Fresh lemon and Anjou pear define the fruit profile, joined by a restrained note of vanilla. The palate is medium-bodied, with the combination of stainless steel and French oak fermentation providing a balance between freshness and subtle richness. Partial malolactic fermentation contributes additional roundness while clean acidity maintains definition, carrying the citrus, pear, and vanilla character through a composed finish.

Winemaker's Background:

Wautoma Springs began when winemaker Jessica Munnell approached grape grower Tom Merkle in 2008 with the idea of making a wine that showcased his fruit. Their partnership initially centered on Cabernet Sauvignon from Wautoma Springs Vineyard and later expanded into a broader collection of extremely small-lot wines. Munnell moved from viticulture into winemaking in 2003 and built her experience through an internship in Australia and positions with Snoqualmie, Chateau Ste. Michelle Canoe Ridge, Mercer Wine Estates, and Vintage Wine Estates. Merkle is a second-generation grape grower who planted his Wautoma Springs Vineyard in 1999 and has extensive experience managing vineyards in Washington. Together, they maintain a deliberately boutique approach focused on direct knowledge of the vines, soils, and winemaking process.

The Chardonnay belongs to Wautoma Springs' Heritage Series, whose aromatic white-wine labels celebrate plants native to eastern Washington and the region's rugged, arid landscape. Artist Leigh Ann Torres depicts Great Basin Wildrye on this bottling, a large native bunchgrass important to the western ecosystem. Its brilliant yellow tones as the grass dries inspired a visual connection to classic Washington Chardonnay and the landscape from which the wine originates.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve at approximately 10 to 12 degrees Celsius in a medium-sized white wine or Chardonnay glass. Pair with roast chicken, grilled or poached fish, scallops, crab, creamy pasta, roasted vegetables, or soft cheeses. The clean acidity provides freshness alongside richer dishes, while the lemon, pear, and subtle vanilla profile complements preparations that favor delicate herbs, butter, or gentle roasting.