Sun Break Wines 'J Marie' Chardonnay, Eola-Amity Hills, Oregon

Lime blossom, citrus peel, and white peach introduce 2023 Sun Break Wines “J Marie” Chardonnay, Eola-Amity Hills, Oregon, a finely etched Chardonnay drawn from the windswept slopes of Royer Vineyard. Crafted by winemaker David Patte, this small-production bottling reflects both the cool-climate precision of the Eola-Amity Hills and the distinctive volcanic soils of the vineyard’s high-elevation site. With careful vineyard sourcing and restrained cellar work emphasizing neutral oak and natural acidity, 2023 Sun Break Wines “J Marie” Chardonnay, Eola-Amity Hills, Oregon, expresses a philosophy centered on clarity, site transparency, and thoughtful stewardship of Oregon’s evolving Chardonnay tradition.

Product Details:

• Winemaker & Owner: David Patte
• Vineyard Source: Royer Vineyard
• Grape: 100% Chardonnay
• ABV: 12.1%
• Production: 156 cases
• Farming: Dry farmed without herbicides, synthetic fertilizers, or pesticides
• Elevation: 600 to 700 feet
• Soils: Volcanic origin, including Ritner, Witzel, Nekia, and Jory
• Clones: Dijon 76, 95, and 548
• Fermentation: Whole-cluster pressed and barrel fermented for approximately 25 days
• Aging: 10 months in neutral French oak puncheons and barriques
• pH: 3.35
• TA: 6.5 g/L

Sensory Description:

2023 Sun Break Wines “J Marie” Chardonnay, Eola-Amity Hills, Oregon opens with aromatic notes of lime blossom, golden kiwi, white peach, and chamomile layered over a bright citrus core. The palate emphasizes grapefruit peel, yellow apple, and crushed chalk minerality, supported by lively acidity and a refined medium body. Subtle lemon curd and stone fruit emerge through the mid-palate while the neutral oak élevage preserves the wine’s crisp structure and clarity. The result is a focused, Chablis-inspired Chardonnay defined by freshness, mineral tension, and a clean, energetic finish.

Awards & Accolades:

• Score: 92 Points, International Wine Report, 2025

Winemaker’s Background:

Sun Break Wines is a small Oregon winery founded and operated by winemaker David Patte, who manages production, business operations, and cellar work with assistance from his wife, Elizabeth, and seasonal harvest support. The winery emphasizes small-lot, vineyard-driven wines sourced from carefully farmed sites across the Willamette Valley. Royer Vineyard, the source of this Chardonnay, occupies the southwest-facing tip of the Eola Hills and sits within the Eola-Amity Hills appellation, where the Van Duzer Corridor funnels cooling Pacific winds through the valley. These persistent winds moderate ripening and preserve acidity, creating conditions well suited to Chardonnay. The vineyard currently spans about fifteen acres planted exclusively to Chardonnay and Riesling, dry farmed on volcanic soils and surrounded by native Oregon oak trees protected under the Willamette Valley Oak Accord. Its commitment to ecological stewardship also includes truffle-inoculated English oaks planted in 2019, reflecting a broader agricultural heritage tied to the landscape.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve chilled around 46 to 50°F in a medium white wine glass to highlight the wine’s aromatics and mineral detail. Its bright acidity and layered citrus profile pair beautifully with fresh oysters, grilled white fish, lemon-herb chicken, shellfish, and soft-ripened cheeses. The wine’s balance and structure also allow it to evolve gracefully for several years, gradually developing deeper textural richness while maintaining its vibrant core.