THE LIONESS CHARDONNAY

The Lion has been the emblem of the Hess Family in every generation, and it has come to symbolize the bold and persevering nature of founder Donald Hess and our winery home on Mount Veeder. As the next generation takes the helm, The Lioness pays homage to the women of the Hess Family. This Chardonnay reflects the abundance and power of Napa Valley through low-intervention winemaking techniques, allowing our best fruit to shine.

FROM THE CELLAR

“With this wine, we aim to craft a big, beautiful Napa Valley Chardonnay that showcases what our Estate vineyard is capable of producing. I am striving for texture and full flavors when I make the barrel selection, and am attracted to clones that produce fruit of low yields but tremendous quality. The Lioness is beautifully balanced and dynamic with a lush texture and layered flavors. Crème brûlée and vanilla are lifted by a core of bright acidity running throughout. Hints of poached pear are complemented by undertones of well-integrated toasty brioche that persist throughout a long satisfying finish.”

– Dave Guffy, Winemaker

VINTAGE NOTES

Vintage 2019 began slightly later than normal in some areas, but nonetheless delivered superb results. Spring was marked by occasional rains, which brought welcome soil saturation, and cooler temperatures, which allowed fruit to mature at a steady pace. Summer helped the grapevines to ripen and catch up from their late start. The warm days and cool nights of the fall allowed gradual sugar accumulation and longer hang times, promising fruit of the highest quality with structural beauty from balanced tannin, sugar and acid levels. Harvest began slightly later than normal in some areas with fruit picked at its peak, promising exceptional flavor in bottle.