2021 The Lioness, Napa Valley Chardonnay

THE LIONESS CHARDONNAY

The Lion has been the emblem of the Hess Family in every generation, and it has come to symbolize the bold and persevering nature of founder Donald Hess and our winery home on Mount Veeder. As the next generation takes the helm, The Lioness pays homage to the women of the Hess Family. This Chardonnay reflects the abundance and power of Napa Valley through low-intervention winemaking techniques, allowing our best fruit to shine.

FROM THE CELLAR

"With this wine, we aim to craft a big, beautiful Napa Valley Chardonnay that showcases what the valley is capable of producing. I am striving for texture and full flavors when I make the barrel selection, and am attracted to clones that produce fruit of low yields but tremendous quality. The Lioness is beautifully balanced and dynamic with a lush texture and layered flavors. Aromas of crème brûlée, lemongrass and honeysuckle are lifted by a core of bright acidity running throughout. Hints of white peaches are complemented by undertones of vanilla bean that persist through a fresh and exciting finish."

- Dave Guffy, Chief Winemaker

VINTAGE NOTES

Vintage 2021 delivered superb results. Spring was marked by occasional rains, which brought welcome soil saturation, and cooler temperatures, allowing fruit to mature at a steady pace. Summer helped the grapevines ripen completely and conditions continued to be almost ideal throughout August and September. The warm days and cool nights of the fall season allowed gradual sugar accumulation and longer hang times, promising fruit of the highest quality with structural beauty. With a slightly later harvest and a smaller crop yield, fruit was picked at its peak, for a small yet mighty vintage promising exceptional flavor in bottle.