00 Wines Richard Hermann Cuvee Chardonnay 2021 - 1.5 L Magnum - (Eola-Amity Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon) - [JD 99] [IWR 98]

About the winery: Chris and Kathy Hermann of 00 Wines (Double Zero) set out to produce the next great American Chardonnay in the Willamette Valley. Using the premier cool climate Chardonnay fruit in the US, and time honored artisanal white Burgundy techniques, 00 Wines has created something rare that is being set in a class alongside the greatest white wines in the world. They use the Black Chardonnay method of reducing premature oxidization by exposing whole cluster Chardonnay grapes to oxygen before fermentation. This causes the “must” (grape juice) to turn a dark brown or black color. During fermentation the brown pigment falls out, and what is left has extraordinary depth and texture and is more protected against oxidation in the bottle. This method is being used in Burgundy (producers like Coche-Dury and Roulot) and now in Oregon to protect the wines from premature oxidization, and potential ruination later, as the wines are aged. Using this Burgundian methodology is both daring