2018 · Willamette Valley Chardonnay

Founded in 1991 by Bernard and Ronni Lacroute, WillaKenzie Estate is an estate-focused producer in Yamhill’s Northern Willamette Valley, named for the ancient marine sedimentary soils beneath its vineyards. Its diverse soils, elevations, slopes and vine selections support distinct single-vineyard expressions, particularly Pinot Noir, alongside Chardonnay. Oregon’s first LIVE-certified winery, WillaKenzie maintains a comprehensive sustainability program centered on biodiversity, natural pastureland, forest and cattle grazing, with a gravity-flow winery. The estate joined Jackson Family Wines in 2016 while retaining its estate-driven identity. Winemaker Erik Kramer, who joined in 2017, crafts terroir-focused wines marked by texture, finesse, balance and clarity.