00 Wines, founded by Chris Hermann, is a relatively new but quickly rising star in the wine world, known for its exceptional Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Located in the Willamette Valley of Oregon, the winery has gained significant attention for its innovative approach to winemaking and high-quality vineyards. The VGW (Very Good White) Chardonnay 2018 is among their standout offerings, showcasing their dedication to producing world-class wines.

The terroir of the Willamette Valley is integral to the character of this Chardonnay. The region's volcanic and sedimentary soils, combined with a cool climate, contribute to the wine's complexity and elegance. 00 Wines employs meticulous vineyard management and winemaking techniques, including extended aging on lees in custom-made oak barrels, which adds depth and a unique texture to their wines.

Appearance: Pale gold with brilliant clarity, showing a slight greenish tinge at the rim. Medium-plus viscosity, with slow, elegant tears forming on the glass. The colour suggests both freshness and depth, a hallmark of extended lees ageing and careful barrel handling.

Aroma: The nose is expressive and layered, offering aromas of ripe apple, pear, and lemon zest, intertwined with notes of hazelnut, brioche, and a touch of minerality.

Taste: On the palate, this Chardonnay is beautifully balanced, with flavours of crisp green apple, white peach, and citrus, complemented by subtle oak influences of vanilla and toast. The wine’s acidity is lively and fresh, providing a backbone that supports the rich, creamy texture.

Finish: The finish is long and elegant, leaving a lingering impression of citrus and toasted nuts, with a hint of saline minerality that invites another sip.

Food pairing: This Chardonnay would pair beautifully with crab and bug agnolotti with spinach, chili, and lemon butter tomato sugo, where the wine's acidity and fruit profile will complement the richness of the dish and cut through the buttery sauce. Another excellent pairing would be with slow-cooked porchetta wrapped in jamon with cavolo nero and red wine jus; the wine's brightness will balance the savoury richness of the pork, while its minerality will harmonize with the earthy notes of the cavolo nero and the umami depth of the jus.