William Hill Estate : Napa Valley

2002 Napa Valley Chardonnay

Grape Source

100% Chardonnay selected primarily from Carneros and the Atlas Peak AVA, in the Napa Valley.  All of the grapes were hand-harvested between September and October 2002, at an average 23.1º Brix.

Vintage

The 2002 harvest was all about patience. The weather in key wine regions was unusually cool early in the growing season, while summer and fall saw  extended heat spells. That schizophrenic weather meant that, by September, the grapes had developed high sugars, but often lacked mature flavors and tannins. Parts of the valley saw some April frost and late rains in May, while summer gave the Napa Valley a long, mild growing season with only a few manageable heat spikes in late September and early October – bringing an end to harvest.

Winemaking

50% of this Chardonnay is fermented in new and 50% in one to two-year-old French (95%) and American (5%) oak barrels for 10 months. To enhance the texture and add buttery nuances 95% of the wine underwent malolactic fermentation.

Winemaker notes

Our Napa Valley Chardonnay is distinguished by a smooth, creamy and bright fruit-forward style. The cooler climates of the Carneros and Atlas Peak appellations provide a varied palette of flavors bursting with fresh apples and zesty tropical citrus, along with firm acidity to stand up to higher amounts of malolactic fermentation while maintaining crispness.

The wine is gently oak-aged and left on the lees, allowing the fruit to shine, displaying a smooth, creamy texture with hints of nectarine, honeysuckle and crisp apple. The result is a well-balanced Chardonnay — tantalizing on the palate with a crisp, clean finish.

Food Recommendations

Enjoy the 2002 William Hill Estate Napa Valley Chardonnay with many seafood dishes, such as sautéed halibut with a fresh lemon and butter sauce, grilled shrimp or salmon, or fresh crab cakes. Try it simply with pasta salad, delicately sprinkled with aged Parmesan, Asiago or Gruyere cheese.