HESS Panthera 2018 Chardonnay

Introducing Panthera 2018 Russian River Chardonnay, a wine that captures the subtleties in strength with its adept control and balance of fruit, acid, oak, and time. This bold wine may not roar, but it certainly impresses with its powerful flavors that are expertly blended by the winemaker.

Crafted using some of the most progressive winemaking technology available, Panthera 2018 Chardonnay showcases the exceptional quality and distinctive flavors that are synonymous with the Lions Head Cellar. The wine boasts a vibrant aspect of fruit with crisp, bright Asian pear and golden apple notes that lead to luscious hints of lemon curd, all developed from malolactic fermentation. The deft baseline of toasted oak introduces notes of buttered French toast and hints of crème brûlée, which are complemented by a signature backbone of acidity nurtured on the Sonoma Coast.

Vintage 2018 was a promising year for Panthera Chardonnay, with a moderate spring that progressed into a warm summer and steady growing conditions in the fall. After a lengthy hang time, the fruit was picked at its peak, promising exceptional flavor in the bottle.

Panthera 2018 Russian River Valley Chardonnay is a wine of unparalleled quality that truly captures the essence of the Russian River Valley. Order your bottle today and experience the subtle strength and exceptional flavors that this wine has to offer.

Alcohol: 14.4%

91 POINTS - "Rich in an oak-driven layering of caramel crème brûlée and butterscotch, this wine is lengthy and lush on the palate, with a hearty soul balanced by underlying acidity. It shows coastal coolness and touches of baking spice and earthiness." - Wine Enthusiast

Panthera Chardonnay showcases the dynamism and energy of the Russian River Valley as this wine displays both a vibrant aspect of fruit and a confident oak profile. This wine presents beautiful layers of crisp, bright Asian pear and golden apple that lead to luscious notes of lemon curd developed from malolactic fermentation. The deft baseline of toasted oak introduces notes of buttered French toast and hints of crème brûlée, which are complemented by a signature backbone of acidity nurtured on the Sonoma Coast.