The 19 Block has aromas of cedar and black licorice. A rich entry of black cherry and ripe plum is supported in the mid-palate by oak nuances of vanilla, caramel and graham cracker. A long, silky finish of polished tannins suggest immediate approachability but the wine will continue to improve over the next 3-4 years.
Hallmark aromas for a New World interpretation of the varietal sing from the glass: gooseberry, lemongrass and guava. By blending Clone 1 with the Musque clone, we achieve flavors with a more tropical tone, including key lime, grapefruit, and kiwi. The wine was fermented in stainless steel tanks and neutral, 5- to 6-year-old French oak barrels. It was not allowed to go through malolactic fermentation in order to retain its crisp acidity.
The word Panthera is believed to be of East Asian origin, meaning ‘the yellowish animal’ or golden yellow. As a reflection of this moniker, we have crafted a striking golden-yellow Chardonnay that is opulent in style and beautifully textured. This inaugural vintage offers yellow stone fruit aromas that lead to delicious flavors of peach, white pear and grilled pineapple. The gorgeous frame of fruit encompasses layers of well-integrated toasty oak and hints of crème brûlée. Panthera Chardonnay is unctuous but focused with a bright acid core that persists through a satisfying, long finish
The Lion has been the emblem of the Hess Family in every generation. It has come to symbolize the bold and persevering nature of founder Donald Hess and our winery home on Mount Veeder. “Live Each Day with the Heart and Courage of The Lion” is the Hess Family credo. As the next generation takes the helm, The Lioness pays homage to the women of the Hess Family who now lead the pride. This Chardonnay blends the abundance and power of Napa Valley with an agile touch of winemaking to showcase the estate fruit. The 2015 vintage is the inaugural release for this wine.
Subtle notes of vanilla bean and brioche complement distinctive citrus aromas such as tangerine and lemon zest. Fermenting in stainless, as well as barrels, brings focus to the bright fruit characters of white nectarine, pear and green apple. Aging in mostly neutral French Oak for nine months allows the fruit to remain on display. Less than one-fifth of the wine is aged in new French Oak to add mouthfeel. A small portion of the wine is allowed to complete malolactic fermentation resulting in a crisp, fresh taste with a solid acid backbone.
Monterey's cooling fog and Pacific coastal breezes, drawn across the Gabilan Mountains into the Salinas Valley, create an ideal climate for growing Chardonnay, yielding wines with tantalizing tropical notes and crisp acidity. Moderate temperatures lengthen the growing season, allowing fruit to evolve with layers of distinct Central Coast flavors. This wine comes from our 352-acre Shirtail Creek estate vineyard in Monterey.