My recent intro to 2014 Stoller Family Estate Dundee Hills Chardonnay came at the Vino Volo tasting bar in the Oakland Airport while waiting to catch a flight out. A simple request to the wine hostess: a clean, un-oaked Chardonnay. The 2014 Stoller Chardonnay did not disappoint.

My taste for oak in white wine enjoys a narrow range of tolerance. While some like to sip tree-sap thick Chardonnays that might just as appropriately be poured over pancakes, I like a light and refreshing wine that has spent little or no time in a wooden barrel. This preference is borne from my usual practice of drinking whites alone or with appetizers, thereby foregoing the need to pair a heavier white with the main course of a meal. There’s a time and place for every wine.

The 2014 Stoller Chardonnay is a refreshing wine fermented in stainless steel. Aromas and flavors are of light fruits and acidity is well balanced. The $39 price tag (photo) is the airport convenience price, the producer’s retail price is $25. I bought a bottle to drink aboard the flight, see photos below.

Stoller Family Estate is located in the Willamette Valley in Oregon’s prime wine country, less than an hour southwest of Portland. The estate vineyard is planted primarily in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with small blocks of Pinot Gris, Riesling, Tempranillo, Syrah and Pinot Blanc.

Give this wonderful Chardonnay a try and please leave comments below.

Producer’s notes: 2014 Stoller Family Estate Dundee Hills Chardonnay

Stoller Family Estate

16161 NE McDougall Road, Dayton, OR 97114

Tasting Room open daily, 11am to 5pm.