The Adelsheim 2007 Chardonnay Willamette Valley (13.8%) is yet another example of how Oregon is distinguishing itself with this grape relative to its neighbors to the north and south.

Even before your first sip, the back label offers a useful frame of reference on how this unadulterated chardonnay was crafted:

This outrageously fresh white wine is made entirely from Chardonnay grapes grown in the northern Willamette Valley. We make little use of such winemaking tricks as French oak, malolactic fermentation, skin contact and residual sugar. Instead, this is what Chardonnay grapes, grown in Oregon's unique climate, can become with minimal intervention.

In the glass, the Adelsheim chardonnay was a clear, light yellow color, delivering notes of melon, pear, and lees. On the palate, this wine offered fresh, clean fruit and bright acidity with a nice minerality that reminded me of a crisp Chablis.

We paired this wine with smoked salmon and pasta in a light cream sauce. The Adelsheim 2007 Chardonnay offered a wonderful accompaniment to our dinner. This was but one of several bottles I recently purchased for $18 each, a price point that beats the socks off more expensive chardonnays from Washington or California.

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