William Hill Estate : Napa Valley

2002 Napa Valley Reserve Chadonnay

Grape Source

100% Chardonnay from the Atlas Peak (53%) and Carneros (47%) appellations in the Napa Valley.  All of the grapes were hand-harvested from September 4 through September 28, 2002, at an average 24.7º 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

All of the wine was barrel-fermented, underwent complete malolactic fermentation and was aged on the lees for seven months with stirring twice monthly. The wine was aged in a combination of new and used 225-liter Dargaud et Jaeglé and François Frères French oak barrels.

Winemaker notes

Our Napa Valley Reserve Chardonnay represents meticulous vineyard selection and barrel aging — the foundation of the William Hill style of distinctive flavor and  fruit. Carneros, in the southern reaches of the Napa Valley, is known for cool nighttime temperatures; well-drained soils and afternoon breezes, yielding exceptionally forward Chardonnay fruit with distinct tropical nuances. Atlas Peak Chardonnay, grown high in the eastern mountains of the Napa Valley, develops appealing stone fruit flavors and enhances the body and texture of the wine.

A subtle nose of sweet honey with well-integrated oak nuances leads to a mouthful of spiced pears with balanced acidity, medium weight, a pleasing undercurrent of minerality and a clean, smooth finish.

Food Recommendations

Shellfish, seafood and poultry are superb matches for this elegant Chardonnay.  With its supple oak flavors, this wine is also an excellent companion for veal, pork, velvety risotto or pasta dishes that feature rich cream-based sauces.