Rambeaux is the younger, more approachable line from Dusky Goose Winery. Beginning in 2020, Dusky Goose introduced its new Rambeaux line of wines made by famed winemaker Lynn Penner-Ash, created from a blend of fruit from the estate vineyards, as the vivacious, lively younger sister of Dusky Goose. The winery describes the line as sophisticated and approachable, with the quality you'd expect from the winemaking team, sourced from premier vineyards.

The name is a family story, not a marketing invention. Nicknamed as an homage to the Eastern Oregon ranching roots of Dusky Goose owners John and Linda Carter, Rambeaux is shorthand for the famed Rambouillet sheep that Linda's family has been raising in Pendleton for generations. The term was coined by Lynn Penner-Ash, originating as her shorthand when labeling barrels of wine from the Rambouillet vineyard.

And the label is a genuine shelf asset. Rambeaux's striking label features an illustrated sheep skull as a nod to the Rambouillet longhorn sheep. That is a rare thing in Willamette Chardonnay, where most labels are quiet typography, so merchandise it face out.

Drawing on the winery's own notes for the line, which has been consistent in style across vintages. Pale golden yellow, citrus and stone fruit on the nose, silky honey nectar balanced with chalky acidity and finishing with quenching lemon zest, with a clean bright finish that makes this a Chardonnay that can easily be savored on its own or paired with a wide variety of cuisines.