2021 William Hill Estate Winery – North Coast Chardonnay
Photo from William Hill Estate Winery website
The Winery
I have never been to their property from their website stating they have a 200 acre estate they have a lot going on! They were founded in 1976 by William Hill and sit at the foot of Atlas Peak. Today Mark Williams is the head winemaker with world class experience. As he states he likes both the fruit of a designated vineyard and that of blending to “fit his vision of rich and expressive wines”.
They have four product line offerings having several wines in each category. Here are the offerings:
California Collection: North Coast Chardonnay, N.C. Cab Sauvignon, N.C. Sauvignon Blanc, two Central Coast wines – Pinot Noir and Merlot
Benchland Series: Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon
Benchmark: More exclusive wines as Chardonnay, Red Blends and Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley Collection: Red Blend, Cab Franc, Chardonnay (both Carneros & Mountain fruit), Petit Verdot and Malbec
The Wine “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Picked up a few bottles of this incredible value packed wine. First on the eyes it is “bright and lively” and middle viscosity with a glistening golden sheen. On the nose citrus and hints of tropical fruits with honeysuckle aroma waft into the senses. On the palate, refreshing and well balanced with creamy full mouthfeel. No “big butter flavor” to hide the pureness of this Chardonnay with apple overtones. Vanilla and minerality provide a long lasting finish of refreshment. Very moderately priced for such a good bottle of Chardonnay. I believe it is listed for $17/bottle but on their website is hard to find the exact price.
The Food and Wine Pairing “Food without wine is a corpse; wine without food is a ghost. United and well matched, they are as body and soul: living partners” – Andre Simon
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Paired this evening with a baked chicken breast stuffed with Swiss cheese. Covered in panko and served with fresh steamed broccoli and a half Yukon Gold potato. The chicken and wine were a good match especially with the Swiss cheese.
This wine will easily make my annual Best Wines Taste for this year in the “Up to $50 Category”. I am now eager to try some of their “higher end wines”.
Sláinte,
Michael