Hess Panthera Chardonnay 2021

Drink now or cellar for up to 10 years. Serve chilled. Donald Hess fell for the remote mountainous frontiers of the Napa Valley while visiting the region on a business trip in the 1970s. Inspired by the virgin terroir, he set out to identify the best terroir to found his own winery and in 1978 he purchased 900 acres of pristine land that forms the core of the Hess estate to this day. The harsh mountainous conditions of the estate are ideal for premium winemaking, producing elegant yet powerful red and whtie wines. This impressive Chardonnay is crafted from Russian River fruit where the cool climate helps to lock in plenty of natural freshness and aromatics. The fruit is picked late into the season at optimum ripeness with the young wine aged in French oak barrels for 18 months. Crisp pear, green apple and plenty of refreshing citrus notes dominate on the nose, while the first sip reveals a rich, creamy texture and a solid core of orchard fruit with hints of spice and toast on the long finish. The refined yet bold flavour profile makes this a great wine to cellar for a few more years or to savour now alongside dishes like roast chicken, mature hard cheeses, grilled salmon or even tricky ingredients like asparagus.