Alexana Chardonnay

Alexana Chardonnay is a 100% Chardonnay from Willamette Valley, Oregon, bottled at approximately 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Sourced primarily from the Dundee Hills AVA and produced on an estate with 18 distinct soil types across 80 acres, this wine has earned recognition at the Decanter World Wine Awards, including a Silver medal in 2025.

Quick Facts: ABV: ~13.5%  |  Origin: Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon  |  100% Chardonnay  |  Winery: Alexana Winery, Newberg, OR

Production & Heritage

Alexana Winery sits on a geologically unusual 80-acre estate in the Dundee Hills that contains 18 different soil types — a rare concentration of terroir diversity within a single vineyard site. The Chardonnay grapes are double hand sorted, then whole cluster pressed before undergoing fermentation over 21 to 28 days. Following fermentation, the wine ages for 10 months in a combination of stainless steel and oak, a method that preserves bright acidity while introducing measured richness and subtle toast character.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with ripe stone fruit and melon, followed by Meyer lemon zest and a gentle undercurrent of toasted oak. A light dusting of cinnamon and a whisper of butter round out the bouquet.

Taste: On entry, the palate delivers crisp apple and compact lime fruit with serious weight. Mid-palate, ripe mango and melon tones emerge alongside lemon zest, building into a dense, lush core. There is noticeable richness here — the partial malolactic influence adds a creamy, buttery quality without overwhelming the citrus backbone.

Finish: The finish is generous and long, trailing off with butterscotch, gentle toast, and lingering stone fruit. A touch of oak spice provides structure that keeps the wine grounded rather than fleeting.

How to Drink Alexana Chardonnay

This Chardonnay rewards a slight chill — around 50–55°F — served in a large-bowled white wine glass that lets the aromatics open fully. It drinks beautifully on its own but also works in wine-forward cocktails. A White Wine Spritzer allows the citrus and stone fruit to shine with effervescence. A French 75 variation using Chardonnay in place of Champagne plays off the wine's buttery richness against lemon and gin botanicals. A White Sangria built around this bottle benefits from its ripe mango and melon character, which pairs naturally with sliced summer fruit.

Best For

• Hosting a summer dinner party centered on Pacific Northwest cuisine
• Gifting an Oregon wine enthusiast exploring Dundee Hills terroir
• Pairing alongside a holiday seafood course or roast poultry
• Building a comparative tasting of New World versus Burgundy Chardonnay

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Alexana Chardonnay taste like? It delivers a rich combination of ripe stone fruit, mango, and Meyer lemon, backed by buttery toast and a hint of cinnamon. The palate carries noticeable weight and length while maintaining bright citrus acidity.

How does Alexana Chardonnay compare to white Burgundy? Oregon Chardonnay from Dundee Hills is increasingly recognized as a serious competitor to Burgundy, and Alexana's whole cluster pressing and partial oak aging echo that Old World structure. The key difference is that Alexana tends toward slightly riper fruit and a more overtly lush mouthfeel than many entry-level Burgundies at comparable price points.

Is Alexana Chardonnay good for sipping on its own? Yes — the balance of acidity, fruit weight, and subtle oak integration makes it a satisfying standalone pour. Served lightly chilled, it rewards unhurried sipping without needing food alongside.

Where is Alexana Chardonnay made? Alexana Chardonnay is produced at Alexana Winery in Newberg, Oregon, within the Dundee Hills AVA of the Willamette Valley. The estate vineyard spans 80 acres and features an unusual concentration of 18 different soil types.

What foods pair well with Alexana Chardonnay? Roast chicken with herbs complements the wine's buttery toast notes. Seared halibut or Dungeness crab echo its Pacific Northwest origins. Aged Gruyère or Comté amplify the creamy mid-palate. A stone fruit tart or crème brûlée aligns with the butterscotch finish. Risotto with wild mushrooms bridges the wine's richness and earthy undertones.

What sizes does Alexana Chardonnay come in? Alexana Chardonnay is available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Alexana Chardonnay worth the price? Alexana positions as a mid-premium Willamette Valley Chardonnay, and its estate-grown fruit from a geologically distinctive vineyard, whole cluster pressing, and 10-month aging regimen justify its place in that tier. For drinkers exploring high-quality Oregon Chardonnay, it represents strong value relative to comparable Dundee Hills bottlings.

Why Alexana Chardonnay?

What separates this wine from the crowded Chardonnay field is the estate itself — 18 soil types across 80 acres is an extraordinary geological concentration that few single-vineyard sites anywhere can match. That terroir complexity, combined with meticulous double hand sorting and whole cluster pressing, yields a Chardonnay with uncommon depth for its age and price tier. Recognition at the Decanter World Wine Awards and the London Wine Competition confirms that the wine performs on an international stage. For anyone building a cellar around Willamette Valley whites or curious about Oregon's growing challenge to Burgundy, Alexana Chardonnay makes a compelling case.