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2022 Napa Valley Chardonnay

2022 Napa Valley Chardonnay

Our signature Chardonnay captures the cool, foggy mornings and afternoon breezes of Napa Valley. A light touch of oak and malolactic fermentation brings out delightful aromas of vanilla and toffee. Crisp notes of white peaches make this wine a delight to sip by the pool.
About

NAPA VALLEY CHARDONNAY

The San Pablo Bay brings morning fog and cool breezes to southern Napa Valley, creating one of the coolest growing regions in Napa. This weather influence is responsible for our Chardonnay grapes maintaining well balanced acidity and moderate sugar levels. Vineyard sites are chosen to support a diverse selection of Chardonnay plantings and well-drained soils, giving winemaker Dave Guffy the freedom to add layers of complex flavors to the wine.

TASTE WITH THE WINEMAKER

"In order to highlight the beautiful structure of our Napa Valley Chardonnay, we barrel fermented for 10 months on 33% new French oak, to complement the fresh flavors of white peach and the bright acidity. While barrel aging, we stirred the wine on its lees to add complexity and roundness. Our Hess Collection Napa Valley Chardonnay opens with beautiful aromas of green apple and vanilla accented by a hint of toffee. The delicious flavors of fresh white peaches harmonize with an elegant creaminess across the palette, while a backbone of bright acidity carries the nuanced mouthfeel. All enveloped with a beautiful finish of subtle vanilla, baking spice and toffee notes."

– Dave Guffy, Director of Winemaking

VINTAGE NOTES

Vintage 2022 started out warm, with budbreak beginning as early as Valentine's Day. Winter provided minimal rainfall so we knew it would be a challenging, yet rewarding season. We were limited in the number of clusters per vine, but were able to nurture those clusters throughout the moderate summer. A long veraison was followed by an intense heat event in early September which turned our slow ripening into a much quicker harvest than anticipated. Overall 2022 was full of challenges, but still made outstanding fruit through the adversities.

Wine Specs

Scores

91 POINTS - Wine Enthusiast, 2021 Vintage
90 POINTS - Wine Enthusiast, 2018 Vintage

Varietal

Chardonnay

Vintage

2022

Appellation

Napa Valley

Alcohol %

14.2

Brand

Hess Collection

Bottles in Case

12

pH

3.53

Aging

10 months in French oak, 33% new

Acid

5.9

Blend

100% Chardonnay

Tasting Notes

Download Tasting Notes

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