Wine Spectator:  Rated as Outstanding: a wine of superior character and style. "Aromas of flowers, honeysuckle, fig and spice are rich and complex, elegant and balanced, gaining depth and nuance on the finish, where the minerality shines through. Drink now through 2018." Oct 2010

Winery:  "The 2008 Hess Collection Su’skol Napa Valley Chardonnay displays Asian pear and honeysuckle aromas with Clementine tangerine on the palate. There is a nice weight to the mid-palate. It manages to capture the fruit in an impressive choreography of pleasing acidity and subtle oak by aging it for nine months in 20% new French oak barrels."

Wired For Wine:  Don't be afraid to get messy with this deliciously versatile Hess Su'skol Vineyard Chardonnay.  Suit up with extra napkins and get into that first bottle with a large platter of gooey Asian-style chicken drumettes with a ginger, soy glaze.  If it's a really big platter, you might only have room for a light dinner.  If so, the honeysuckle perfume, and other fruit notes, the well-balanced weight and gentle oak of this Napa Chardonnay all come together perfectly for a salad of baby greens, shaved fennel, and tangerine topped with a nicely browned lump crab cake.  Drizzle on a dijon vinaigrette and you're good to go.  A slightly more serious option which will showcase the stunning acidity of this Hess white is sauteed medallions of veal dressed with a decadent morel cream sauce.  And if it's comfort with a twist you're looking for, the fresh citrus flavors in this California Chardonnay are ideal with deep fried jumbo shrimp with a spicy lemongrass aioli on the side.  What could be better?  You won't want the meal to end there, so open another bottle, fill those glasses again, and surrender to a habit-forming and oh-so-yummy triple creme St. Andre cheese.  No tricks for us, winelovers, only treats!

Size:        750ml
Varietal:  100% Chardonnay
Alcohol:  14.2%
Ageing:    9 months in 20% new French oak barrels
Region:    Napa Valley, California