William Hill Estate : Napa Valley

2001 Napa Valley Chardonnay

Grape Source

100% Chardonnay selected from Carneros AVA (72%), Atlas Peak AVA (21%) and Napa Valley.  All of the grapes were hand-harvested between  August 22 and October 2, 2001, at an average 23.2º Brix.

Vintage

A dry cool winter brought spring weather to wine country in the early days of March 2001. The warmer temperatures promoted early budbreak that, coupled with a series of short heat spells, led to an early harvest for most white varietals. The northern end of the state experienced the premature onset of autumn as well which cooled the vines and allowed red varietals a much longer hang time. Overall Mother Nature provided a smaller crop  with beautifully concentrated flavors.

Winemaking

76% of this Chardonnay was fermented in new to four-year-old French (87%) and American oak barrels for 6 months on the lees. To enhance the texture and add buttery nuances 85% of the wine underwent malolactic fermentation.

Winemaker notes

Our Napa Valley Chardonnay is distinguished by a smooth, creamy and bright fruit-forward style. The winemaking team hand-selects the fruit from three of the best Napa Valley Chardonnay growing regions. 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 2001 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. This wine will also draw raves from your dinner guests when paired with a simple pasta salad, delicately sprinkled with fresh Parmesan, Asiago or Gruyere cheese.