With wines made by the respected John Grochau, Red Electric Wines are fairly new to the  Willamette Valley but are named after an iconic mode of commuter transportation from the Valley to Portland. From 1913 to 1929, the Red Electric train stopped in Newberg, Forest Grove, McMinnville, Sherwood, Carlton, Salem and others, all communities associated with Oregon Pinot Noir and other wines. Chardonnay is coming on strong in the Willamette Valley and, for the price, many are considered extraordinary. That is how I feel about this Red Electric “Alpine Lily” Chardonnay, a wine I opened to taste and ended up falling in love and sharing it with friends that evening. Lemon curd, pear and honeysuckle are bright on the nose and balanced texture and richness in the mouth. Fantastic finish of vibrancy and salinity that echoes the beautiful Burgundies of Chablis.

WHO: Red Electric Wines

WHAT: Chardonnay

WHERE: HOW MUCH: $25

RATING: 94