2023 Abeja Washington Chardonnay

Abeja in Walla Walla had its first release with the 2001 vintage. Abeja was started in 2000 when Ken and Ginger Harrison stayed as guests at the historic inn on the Abeja propertys, then purchased the inn and the farm. In 2002 they were joined by John Abbot and Molly Galt, founders of Canoe Ridge Vineyard. John Abbott is the winemaker at Abeja. Abeja has estate vineyards in the Walla Wally Valley appellation, and also sources grapes from the Columbia Valley. The estate makes Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Viognier, Merlot and Chardonnay. Abeja wines typically earn ratings in the 90s from wine reviewers.

Washington State, with 59,000 vineyard acres, is the second largest producer of wine in the United States. Wine was made in the state as early as the mid-19th century, but Prohibition and, later, restrictive state laws killed the wine making business in the 20th century until the 1960s, when laws changed and large and small producers started making wines. An influential horticulturalist and agriculture professor name Walter J. Clore studied various grape clones in the 1960s to find the best ones for Washington, and by the 1970s Yakima Valley, Walla Walla and Columbia Valley had all become important grape growing areas. The best vineyards in the state are east of the Cascade Mountain range, where hot dry summers and cold winters are conducive to successful viticulture. Numerous grape varieties are grown, with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc at the head of the list.

This white variety originated in Burgundy, but is now grown around the world. Its flexibility to thrive in many regions translates to wide flavor profile in the market. Chardonnay is commonly used in making Champagne and sparkling wines.