2023 Folly of Man Colleen Chardonnay
In stock
Grape Varietal: Chardonnay
Country: USA
Region: Chehalem Mountains & Eola-Amity Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon
The Wine:* Folly of Man is the inaugural project of married winemakers Tracy and Aaron Kendall, launched with the 2023 vintage from their 48-acre estate in the windswept Van Duzer Corridor of the Eola-Amity Hills. Tracy spent a decade as Associate Winemaker at Nicolas-Jay alongside Jean-Nicolas Méo of Domaine Méo-Camuzet; Aaron led winemaking at Beaux Frères. Together they farm regeneratively toward full biodynamic certification, with a philosophy of minimal intervention, low sulfur, no filtration, and dual-clone fermentation to capture complexity that blending post-ferment cannot replicate. The Colleen Chardonnay — part of their inaugural sub-300-case release — is a blend of 50% deLancellotti Vineyard in the biodynamically farmed Chehalem Mountains and 50% Pearlstead Vineyard in the Eola-Amity Hills, both sites on pure marine sediment soils. Whole-cluster pressed, settled, and fermented slowly with native yeasts in barrel, aged up to 18 months.
The 2023 Colleen is a precise, mineral-driven Willamette Chardonnay defined by its marine sediment origins. It opens with aromas of lemon balm, pear blossom, and white flower, with a flinty undercurrent. On the palate it is satiny and structured, with bright acidity, layered fruit, and a long, saline finish — effusive yet restrained, with real weight that builds through the glass.
Pairing: Pacific halibut with brown butter and Meyer lemon, a delicate crab bisque with chervil, roasted cauliflower with crème fraîche and capers, or a celebratory dinner of butter-poached lobster eaten somewhere that feels like an occasion.
