Join Us And Grab A Glass of Joe

While we tend to associate Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris with Oregon, there are sizeable plantings of Chardonnay found here, as well. Joe Dobbes is one of Oregon’s most experienced winemakers and largest vineyard owners in the premium Willamette Valley appellation. Before striking out on his own, he apprenticed with some of Burgundy’s top estates. And Chardonnay is, of course, the standard bearer for white wine in Burgundy. A secret we are sworn to, is that in addition to his own wines, Joe is a large custom crusher (producer) for many other well-known Oregon producers with virtual brands. He is also a pioneer in custom mobile bottling. It makes economic sense for smaller producers to engage his services, especially when bottling is a short-term activity only during selected times of the year. Joe’s popular entry level brand, Wine by Joe, has always punched, quality wise, way above its weight.

The 2022 Chardonnay, with no oak treatment, begins with citrus aromas. Even though it’s dry, there is a lush, rich texture tempered by a steely acidity. With flavours of white peach, apple and tangerine, it can match many dishes. Since Oregon has a 585 km long coastline on the Pacific Ocean, there is an unlimited selection of seafood at its doorstep. Shrimp cocktail is tasty, but the ultimate match, in our opinion, is Dungeness crab. The bright acidity of the Chardonnay lifts the rich, slightly sweet texture of the crab meat.      

It received a Best Buy designation in the Sept.1, 2023 issue of Wine Enthusiast magazine.     

2022 Wine by Joe Willamette Valley Chardonnay LCBO #462978, $19.95