Robert Parker
Anthony Mueller
About...
A winery started by Aryn and Edith Morell to focus on Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and sparkling wine. Made exclusively from the Royal Slope from two different vineyards, La Reyna Blanca(The White Queen) and Solaksen (Sun axis) both of which were designed by Aryn. Both of them are high at just under 1,500ft and 1,650ft respectively and planted off axis with La Reyna at 32 degrees SW-NE and Solaksen at 29 degrees SW-NE. The winery makes 4 Chardonnays(not including the Blanc de Blancs), with 3 of them being the “reserves” which are made as portraits of each of their 3 daughters. The Pinot Noir lineup has expanded in 2018 to include 3 “reserve” wines as well also not including the Blanc de Noirs. We also make a very small amount of Rosé of Pinot Noir.
The 2018 Rosé was fermented in stainless steel barrels and rolled to incorporate the lees without having to open the barrels and stir as is traditionally done. Bottled on the 13th of June with only a light filtration to improve clarity. The 2016 “girls” are portraits of the three daughters with Ysabella Bjork being the oldest and made exclusively from Dijon clone 96 and fermented and aged in French oak made from the Compiegne forest in northern France. Camylla Loren is made from Dijon clone 95 and fermented and aged in French oak from St. Palais in the northeast center of France. Gemma Camaryn is made with Dijon clone 76 and was fermented and aged in French oak from Allogny in southern France. The 3 Chardonnays are all made exactly the same with the only differences being the clone and forest of the barrels. The toast and all other variables are exactly the same. These wines are made with NO pressing, it takes 2 tons to yield one barrel and there is no inoculation for both primary and secondary fermentation and no nutrient additions, minimal use of SO2 and the use of an OXO rolling system for lees incorporation instead of stirring. As a result of this extremely reductive winemaking to protect these wines, they actually NEED air to open. There is always a dramatic change from the first to the second glass and then it’s a much slower change after the initial incorporation of air.
We are honored to have our "Ysabella Bjork" chardonnay be recognized as #1 in Washington and #3 white wine overall by the SeattleMet Magazine.
94 Points- The 2020 Chardonnay Ysabella Bjork follows suit, with a classic Chardonnay nose of stone fruits, honeyed apple, white flowers, and some chalky minerality. With nicely integrated oak, medium body, terrific balance, and a clean, lengthy finish
-James Suckling