France and California are usually considered the benchmarks for chardonnay. Washington is best described as having ripeness more similar to California, but a “terroir” and acidity closer to France.

Washington chardonnay is all we do. We match the fruit from our best growers with complementary oak and the right winemaking techniques. Our favorite clones- an important and underrated aspect – are chosen, often from select blocks with special character. This connected us with three regions so far: Yakima Valley, the Columbia Gorge, and the Columbia Valley with prime vineyards in the cooler sites that have longer growing seasons that bring complex, well-developed flavors.

We’re a small producer. We began in 2010, and our first two seasons are believed to be the two coldest growing seasons in the state’s winemaking history. A series of warmer vintages have allowed us to expand and offer more choices. Along the way, we’ve received a number of accolades, including the Governor’s Trophy for Washington’s Best White Wine (our Dijon Clone 76) and also Washington’s Best Chardonnay.

We bring you three unique bottlings – four when conditions are right – each expressing something different – but clearly chardonnay. That often highlights the clones we choose, like the rich Dijon Clone 76 selection from the Yakima Valley, or the minerally, citrus – like character of our old vine Wente clone chardonnay from the volcanic soils of the Celilo Vineyard in the Columbia Gorge. Or it might highlight a unique character like the honey and lavender scents in our Conner-Lee fruit from the Columbia Valley. We also offer a Washington State bottling that combines different sources that work well together.

Woodinville, Washington is our home. Brian Carter and Robert Takahashi are our winemakers. Tasting is available at Brian Carter Cellars, and at various industry tasting events.