Williams Selyem Chardonnay Williams Selyem Estate Vineyard 2021 750ml

The 2021 Chardonnay Estate Vineyard has an exotic edge. Matured for 16 months in 31% new oak, it has lush aromas of apple pie, papaya, manuka honey, meringue and jasmine. The medium-bodied palate is surprisingly light on its feet. Its vibrant spine of acidity immediately refreshes the mouth and lifts its honeyed flavors, and a kiss of phenolic grip drives a long, savory finish. 275 cases were made.

• Country: United States
• Region: California
• Appellation: Sonoma Valley
• Sub Appellation: Russian River Valley
• Size: 750ml
• Color: White
• Alcohol by Vol: 14.4%

Varietal

Chardonnay

Of all the white wine grape varietals, surely the one that has spread the furthest and is most widely appreciated is Chardonnay. This green-skinned grape is now grown all over the Old and New Worlds, from New Zealand to the Americas, from England to Chile, and is one of the first varietals people think of when considering white wine grapes. Perhaps this is because of its huge popularity, which reached a peak in the 1990s, thanks to new technologies combining with traditional methods to bring the very best features out of the Chardonnay grape and allow its unique qualities to shine through. Most fine Chardonnay wines use a process known as malolactic fermentation, wherein the malic acids in the grape juice are converted to lactic acids, allowing a creamier, buttery nature to come forward in the wine. No grape varietal is better suited to this process than Chardonnay, which manages to balance these silky, creamy notes with fresh white fruit flavors beautifully.