Wines Napa Valley The Hess Collection - Napa Valley Estate Chardonnay - 2021

Viniou Reviews

The Hess Collection's Napa Valley Estate Chardonnay 2021 is a delightful example of Californian craftsmanship with a strong sense of place. Made exclusively from Chardonnay vineyards located within the prestigious Napa Valley AVA, this wine highlights the region’s capability for producing expressive and structured white wines. The 2021 vintage benefited from a relatively mild growing season, allowing the grapes to mature slowly and develop nuanced flavours. Meticulous vinification, often involving partial barrel fermentation and sur lie ageing, imparts layers of texture and a subtle touch of oak, complementing the natural brightness of the fruit. Expect abundant notes of ripe orchard fruits such as pear and apple, a hint of citrus zest, and a delicate underpinning of vanilla and toasted almond from the gentle oak influence.

Napa Valley, located in the heart of California’s renowned wine country, is famed for its diversity of microclimates and well-drained soils, which include volcanic, alluvial, and clay components. This patchwork terroir allows for remarkable complexity in the wines. Chardonnay thrives here thanks to the warm days balanced by cooler evenings, shaped by coastal fog drifting in from the Pacific. Napa’s winemaking history dates back to the mid-19th century, and today it stands as a benchmark for New World wines, especially for Bordeaux and Burgundy varietals.

This expressive Chardonnay pairs beautifully with a wide range of dishes. Its creamy texture and balanced acidity make it a perfect companion to grilled poultry, such as lemon herb roast chicken, or seafood like seared scallops and lobster with a light beurre blanc. For a regional pairing, try Dungeness crab cakes, a Californian coastal favourite, or fresh goat’s cheese salad with walnuts.

To fully appreciate The Hess Collection Napa Valley Estate Chardonnay 2021, serve it chilled, ideally between 10-12°C. This temperature range will preserve its crisp acidity and vibrant fruit profile while allowing the delicate oak notes and subtle creamy elements to unfold beautifully as the wine warms in the glass.