Su’skol Estate Reserve
2017 Chardonnay
Napa Valley
Su’skol Estate Reserve Chardonnay represents the very best Chardonnay from our Su’skol Estate Vineyard. We named our vineyard “Su’skol” after the native Su’skol people who used the area as a meeting place and valued the nearby sources of fish and game. This 200-acre vineyard is just miles from the San Pablo Bay, the coolest part of the Napa Valley. It is the site of an ancient seabed, with shallow, sandy soils perfect for nurturing Chardonnay grapes. With this wine, we aim to craft a big, beautiful Napa Valley Chardonnay that showcases what our estate vineyard is capable of producing. The wine is dynamic and beautifully balanced with a lush texture that is complemented by a core of acidity running throughout. The Hess Collection wines are sustainably farmed and dedicated to reflecting a true sense of place. Our wines are recognizable for their elegant, rich and complex flavors and a tradition of excellence.
Winemaker, Hess Persson Estates
I was named assistant winemaker at Cambria in 1990, then winemaker in 1992, producing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir plus some Syrah. In 1999, Donald Hess was looking for someone to oversee all winemaking for The Hess Collection, and as a student I loved Cabernet, especially from the Napa Valley and it inspired me to pursue winemaking. Now, I'm literally on top of Napa, making mountain Cabernets. Mountain fruit is different from valley floor fruit - and so are the wines. They are structured, complex, rich wines, with distinctive tannins, ageability and concentrated fruit.
Country born: United States
Education: Enology and viticulture degree from Fresno State University.
Years in the wine industry: 20-30 years
Winemaking Philosophy:
I have a strong belief in making wine in the vineyard, working each site to absolutely maximize flavors. My goal is to make ripe-fruit-forward California style wines with both power and elegance.
The Hess Collection Winery is distributed in the following markets. Please contact the winery directly for the most up-to-date distribution information and to explore commercial opportunities.
The Hess Collection Winery Contact: Nicole Carter
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