William Hill Estate : Napa Valley

2000 Napa Valley Reserve Chardonnay

Grape Source

100% Chardonnay from the Carneros (74%) and Atlas Peak appellations of Napa Valley.  All of the grapes were hand-harvested between September 5 and October 2, 2000, at an average 23.8º Brix.

Vintage

With dry spring weather and moderate temperatures, the 2000 harvest started out with nearly perfect conditions for budbreak and bloom. At the beginning of harvest there were some spikes in temperature that threatened to send all of the grapes into the winery at once. However, temperatures cooled off in late summer giving the remaining grapes a longer hang-time and allowing the winemaking staff a lull in which to handle the white grapes already in the winery. Overall, crop size was up (in terms of tonnage) and quality was outstanding.

Winemaking

All of the wine was fermented and underwent malolactic fermentation in the barrel. The wine was aged on the lees for seven months, stirred twice monthly. The wine was aged in a combination of new and one-year-old 60-gallon Darguard et Jaegle 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 Napa Valley, is known for cool nighttime temperatures, well-drained soils and afternoon breezes, yielding Chardonnay fruit of exceptional forward fruit quality, 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.

Striking aromas of apple, pineapple and sweet oak lead to forward tropical fruit flavors that are highlighted by toasty oak, spicy nuances and balanced with a note of acidity. Full malolactic fermentation contributes to a wonderful silky mouthfeel and leaves a hint of butterscotch on the lingering 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 pastas dishes that feature rich cream based sauces.