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

The 2021 Hess Collection Napa Valley Chardonnay is an exemplary white wine that illustrates the potential of California’s most celebrated region. Crafted exclusively from Chardonnay grapes sourced from carefully selected vineyard blocks across Napa Valley, this cuvée showcases both varietal purity and a distinct house style. The 2021 vintage benefited from a moderate growing season, allowing grapes to ripen slowly and evenly. Winemaking at Hess Collection typically involves a combination of barrel and stainless steel fermentation, with partial malolactic fermentation to balance freshness with a gently rounded texture. Subtle oak ageing lends discreet vanilla and toasted notes without overpowering the fruit, resulting in a brilliantly balanced, dry Chardonnay with pronounced aromas of ripe apple, pear, lemon zest, and a hint of brioche.

Napa Valley, located just north of San Francisco, is world-renowned for its exceptional terroir. The region’s Mediterranean climate features long, warm days and cool, misty nights, which help preserve the natural acidity of the grapes. Napa’s diverse soils—ranging from gravelly loam to volcanic ash—add complexity and depth to the wines, while the valley’s long history of winegrowing, dating back to the mid-19th century, underpins a strong tradition of quality and innovation.

This Chardonnay’s poised freshness and elegant oak harmonise particularly well with a variety of dishes. For classic pairings, consider roast chicken with lemon and herbs, grilled sea bass, or creamy seafood linguine. Local Californian cuisine also works beautifully—think Dungeness crab cakes or a fresh corn and avocado salad. To celebrate the wine’s provenance, if you’re in the mood for regional flair, Monterey jack cheese or a simple clam chowder are delightful choices.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine well chilled but not too cold, ideally at 10-12°C. This will allow the layers of fruit and subtle oak complexity to unfurl fully in the glass. Decanting is not necessary, but giving the wine a few minutes in the glass will do justice to its elegant profile.