The Hess Select California Chardonnay 2024 is a wine I found at Trader Joe’s, selling for $10.99. A quick check of the web shows it at a $12 nationwide average.
The Story
The Hess Select California Chardonnay 2024 is an entry-level wine from Hess Perrson Estates. Donald Hess started the winery in the late 1970s in the Mount Veeder AVA of Napa. Mr. Hess passed on in 2023, and his stepson and daughter (the Perrsons) took over management.
This California Chardonnay is sourced from several AVAs in California. Wineries that have been around since the 70s know people, finding quality grapes, and acquiring contracts is as much friend-to-friend as a business deal.
While this Chardonnay is their value wine, 30% of the juice was both fermented and aged in French oak barrels. The other 70% in stainless steel vats.
Oak barrel fermentation and aging add different characteristics to the wine from stainless steel vats. Wine barrels, while water-tight, are not completelt air tight, and that tiny bit of oxygen transfer changes the wine in ways not available to stainless steel.
The 2024 vintage had warm periods that caused the grapes to ripen several weeks earlier than usual. A shortened growing season may be an issue for $100 wines, but it is not a problem for $10.99. The ripe grapes add to the flavor.
The alcohol content is 13.5%.
The Hess Select California Chardonnay 2024 Tasting Notes
The color is a hint of gold. The nose is apple, honey, lemon, and peach, with other harvest fruit and citrus scents. The Hess Select California Chardonnay 2024 is a medium-bodied, full-flavored Chardonnay. This is a wine that will pair well with the meal.
This Chardonnay tastes like Green apple, vanilla, lemon curd, peach and pear, sweet spice, and soft pineapple.
The acidity is balanced and fully supports the flavors.
The Summary
- The Hess Select California Chardonnay 2024 is an excellent, well-priced Chardonnay.
- It is not a brand wine; it is a wine that the winery puts its name on. I think that does mean something.
- Will work as both a sipping and a food wine.
