Stony Hill
SHV Napa Valley Chardonnay
St. Helena, Napa Valley, California, USA
Yellow apple and green apple. Cream soda, vanilla pod, basil, medium acidity. no malo, aged in 80 years' old foudres <300L with thick tartrates. 15-16 inches of rain that year (2017).
Yellow apple and green apple. Cream soda, vanilla pod, basil, medium acidity. no malo, aged in 80 years' old foudres <300L with thick tartrates. 15-16 inches of rain that year (2017).
Aug 13th, 2022This is a note for Stony Hill Chardonnay, Spring Mountain District, vintage 2019. The last vintage without malo. Yellow apple, creamy yogurt, smoke and vanilla pods. Slightly brioche. Med-/med acidity. Creamy texture and mouthfeel. Aged 80 years' old foudres. The new winemaker started experimenting with malo, we'll see how it will turn out. We had a long walk around the vineyards looking at all the Chardonnay vines up on the hill together with the Malbec vines up there. Closer to the estate level are singled staked Riesling vines due to vine age - these are the oldest Riesling vines in the valley. Cab Franc are planted in the center area and at the front are some Gamay. Mostly on VSP some on Lyre because of western exposure. Cab Sauv were first planted in 2005. 2010 was the first Cab vintage. They had let quite a large area fallow for ~15 years, and just recently started some new plantings. Exciting stuff.
This is a note for Stony Hill Chardonnay, Spring Mountain District, vintage 2019. The last vintage without malo. Yellow apple, creamy yogurt, smoke and vanilla pods. Slightly brioche. Med-/med acidity. Creamy texture and mouthfeel. Aged 80 years' old foudres. The new winemaker started experimenting with malo, we'll see how it will turn out. We had a long walk around the vineyards looking at all the Chardonnay vines up on the hill together with the Malbec vines up there. Closer to the estate level are singled staked Riesling vines due to vine age - these are the oldest Riesling vines in the valley. Cab Franc are planted in the center area and at the front are some Gamay. Mostly on VSP some on Lyre because of western exposure. Cab Sauv were first planted in 2005. 2010 was the first Cab vintage. They had let quite a large area fallow for ~15 years, and just recently started some new plantings. Exciting stuff.
Aug 13th, 2022
Amazing freshness for the vintage!!!
Amazing freshness for the vintage!!!
Jun 8th, 2021This wine playfully swings across my palate from the supple, round lows to the bright, angular highs. These Chardonnays are like that little child who quietly waits for the precise moment to tell their story, and when their words begin to flow, we find ourselves blissfully captivated amidst the twists and turns and realize that the story wouldn’t have been nearly so delightful had we rushed the speaker.
This wine playfully swings across my palate from the supple, round lows to the bright, angular highs. These Chardonnays are like that little child who quietly waits for the precise moment to tell their story, and when their words begin to flow, we find ourselves blissfully captivated amidst the twists and turns and realize that the story wouldn’t have been nearly so delightful had we rushed the speaker.
Nov 18th, 2018
Oxidative flavors starting to take over, but still drinking well and displaying an impressive aged character.
Oxidative flavors starting to take over, but still drinking well and displaying an impressive aged character.
May 23rd, 2018
Insanely fresh, young and vibrant at age 25!!
Insanely fresh, young and vibrant at age 25!!
Oct 6th, 2017
Crisp, clean, delicious. Napa Grand Cru Chard at its best.
Crisp, clean, delicious. Napa Grand Cru Chard at its best.
1 person found it helpfulApr 5th, 201713% alc.
At 14 years I think this Chard still needs time!
Initially very muted on fruit and grape characteristics it started to open up a bit after 60+ min in the glass.
I don't think it will ever be that super magic wine but would be thrilled to revisit in a decade just to see the progress.
13% alc.
At 14 years I think this Chard still needs time!
Initially very muted on fruit and grape characteristics it started to open up a bit after 60+ min in the glass.
I don't think it will ever be that super magic wine but would be thrilled to revisit in a decade just to see the progress.
Showing well developed tetiary notes such as marzipan, menthol, but has a decadent Meyer lemon pound cake note that shows how much life is still left. Wonderful.
Showing well developed tetiary notes such as marzipan, menthol, but has a decadent Meyer lemon pound cake note that shows how much life is still left. Wonderful.
Apr 5th, 2017
Outstanding. Neutral oak lets the wine really come through. Evolving in a really nice way.
Outstanding. Neutral oak lets the wine really come through. Evolving in a really nice way.
Jan 28th, 2017