Chehalem INOX™ Chardonnay takes its name from an abbreviation of the French words for stainless steel, acier inoxydable. INOX™ was created at Chehalem to express from Oregon the kind of crisp, steely, fruitiness so treasured in certain old-world (one might reasonably read French, perhaps even Chablisienne or Mâconnais) Chardonnay wines. This is made possible by the use of exclusively Dijon clone Chardonnay fruit, exceptionally well suited to Oregon's cool climate and exhibiting a richness of flavor and texture that does not depend on barrel aging. Fermented entirely in stainless steel, with no malolactic fermentation or lees contact, this 2007 Chehalem INOX™ Chardonnay is fresh and vibrant in aroma, suggesting ripe fruits like white peach, Mirabelle plum or Gala apple (it’s really just crystal clear expression of happy Chardonnay grapes, of course); on the tongue the wine is alive and fresh and vibrant with vivid bursts of flavor just slip-sliding on down to the mouthwatering finish. Chehalem INOX™ Chardonnay is a hit!

Medium red color. Smoky dark berries and cherry-cola on the nose, picking up exotic incense and bacon fat with air. Intense flavors of spiced cherry and blackberry flavors are enlivened by zesty minerality and framed by supple tannins. A plush, suave, alluring wine with excellent finishing sweetness and a late jolt of rooty sassafras. Rated 91. ‑ Josh Raynolds, Steven Tanzer's International Wine Cellar Issue 138 May/June 2008

Bright red color. Alluring red and dark berry scents are complicated by fresh rose, baking spices and minerals. Delicate and precise, offering zesty red fruit flavors and fine-grained tannins, with a brisk snap of blood orange on the back. Admirably understated, focused pinot with impressive finishing cut and length. Rated 89. ‑ Josh Raynolds, Steven Tanzer's International Wine Cellar Issue 138 May/June 2008