Walter Scott - Chardonnay La Combe Verte 2023

For the husband and wife team of Erica Landon and Ken Pahlow, 2008 marked the launch of their dream in Oregon’s Willamette Valley: the formation of Walter Scott Wines. Ken had dreams of starting his own label, but had not truly achieved his goal until Erica inspired him to take the leap. In the Spring of that year the two partners emptied their meager retirement accounts and used the funds to design their label and get started.

Walter Scott Wines’ first vintage, La Combe Verte Pinot Noir, was produced in 2009 at Patricia Green Cellars by trading harvest labor for winemaking space. For the following two vintages, Walter Scott changed its production location to Evening Land where Ken began working alongside Dominique Lafon. In 2011, Walter Scott began making Chardonnay, which contributed significantly to both their growing production and group of loyal followers.

In 2012, Ken and Erica began leasing their current winery space from the Casteel family of Bethel Heights, which is situated on Justice Vineyard in the Eola-Amity Hills American Viticultural Area, a sub-appellation of the Willamette Valley AVA. To help accomplish this big move Walter Scott needed some support, so Ken and Erica invited some friends to become part of the business. Sue and Andy Steinman joined the Walter Scott team just before harvest, bringing with them their strengths in business and law.

The Walter Scott team grew again in 2017 with the addition of Jess Pierce. Jess works alongside Ken and Erica in the winery and beyond, and is involved in all aspects of Walter Scott, from production to sales.

The La Combe Verte is fermented with 100% ambient yeast and full malolactic conversion in large barrels with very little bâtonnage. The wine is lightly fined and filtered prior to bottling to brighten aromatics and give us a polished finish. Fermented in 350 & 500 liter French Oak - 25% new, 10 months in barrel.

Producer: Walter Scott

Country: USA

Region: Oregon

Varietal: Chardonnay

Appellation: Willamette Valley

Vintage: 2023

Size: 750ml