Review: 2023 Elouan Reserve Chardonnay and Pinot Noir

Elouan, part of the Chuck Wagner empire, has been slowly taking its brand upmarket. Its Reserve bottlings, reviewed here, feature massive, heavy bottles with deep punts and wax seals — and are priced accordingly. Oddly, both of these wines are made from grapes grown in Oregon but the wines are actually made in California.

Let’s give the pair a try.

2023 Elouan Oregon Reserve Chardonnay Review

This is a traditional expression of well-oaked chardonnay, buttery and nutty, though surprisingly restrained when it comes to those saccharine vanilla notes that mar many a “big” chardonnay. Notes of lemon curd and almond butter offer a layer cake approach to the wine, hitting the palate up front with a tart, acidic punch before sloooowly fading into nuttier territory, eventually informed by gooseberry and rhubarb. Big, big, big. B+ / $40

2023 Elouan Oregon Reserve Pinot Noir Review

Big and beefy, there’s certainly no nuance to be found in this wine, which is aggressive in its exploration of dark, pruny fruits and bittersweet chocolate. A light smokiness overlays everything, giving the wine a bbq vibe, gently tannic but approachable. Layers of anise overlay the sweet/pruny elements, with touches of gravelly earth and cracked pepper on the finish. Much better with a hearty meal. B / $50

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