A Tale of Two Chardonnays
At Nine Hats, we produce our core lineup of nine wines inspired by the nine internationally acclaimed winemakers who contributed their time and talents to develop the wines of Long Shadows Vintners.
We also craft three reserve wines, giving our winemaking team the opportunity to select the best barrels and adjust aging and vinification techniques.
Comparing the wines is always a fun and interesting exercise, in this case: Chardonnay. Although both wines are rooted in the same grape, they offer unique expressions of Chardonnay, allowing you to explore, compare, and contrast how different approaches impact the wine.
Allow us to pique your interest and then feel free to stop by (SODO / Walla Walla), reach out, or shop online to experience your own side-by-side comparison.
Nine Hats Chardonnay: Crisp and Bright
Nine Hats Chardonnay is a vibrant, fruit-driven wine that delivers a classic yet refreshing expression of Chardonnay. Sourced primarily from French Creek Vineyard in Washington’s Yakima Valley, this wine is all about celebrating the purity of the fruit.
After fermentation, the wine aged 9 months in a combination of concrete egg and French oak barrels. The egg provides richness and minerality while the remaining wine ages in a combination of new and neutral French oak. The oak imparts depth and roundness to the wine. This combined technique creates a balanced, nuanced, and complex Chardonnay without hiding or masking the gorgeous citrus and floral core.
Winemaker notes:
Elegant aromatics with vibrant character, this wine shows impressive balance between mid-palate texture and acidity. Lively notes of kumquats, white blossom with hints of white peach and honey.
Pairing:
This wine pairs beautifully with lighter dishes such as grilled seafood, fresh salads, and soft cheeses. Its crispness also makes it a great choice for sipping on its own, especially on warm afternoons.
In essence, the Nine Hats Chardonnay is perfect for those who prefer a clean, fruit-forward style that’s crisp and refreshing without a heavy oak influence.
Nine Hats Reserve Chardonnay: Elegance and Complexity
For those who prefer a more structured and layered experience, the Nine Hats Reserve Chardonnay steps up the complexity. Sourced from French Creek Vineyard and Boushey Vineyard, this wine spent 10 months aging in a concrete egg (35%) and French oak (65%).
Much like its counterpart, this combination of techniques creates a well-rounded and complex wine.
One difference between the two Chardonnays is the amount of new French oak used in the Reserve. Of the portion that is barrel aged, 50% of it is in new French oak. This imparts the vanilla and toastiness that many Chardonnay lovers revere, and also allows for more aging potential.
Keep in mind that we intentionally hold back our reserve wines. This 2018 Chardonnay has been gracefully aging and drinking beautifully right now but can age many more years.
Winemaker notes:
This Chardonnay offers beautiful aromas and flavors of white peaches, jasmine flowers and ripe stone fruits. A vibrant entry reveals a creaminess on the mid-palate that complements its rich character and elegant finish.
Pairing:
The added richness of the Reserve Chardonnay makes it a perfect match for more decadent dishes, such as lobster, roasted poultry, and creamy pasta. Its elegance also pairs well with cheeses like Brie or Camembert, making it a great wine for a dinner party or special occasion.
Which Chardonnay Should You Choose?
Both the Nine Hats Chardonnay and the Nine Hats Reserve Chardonnay showcase our dedication to crafting wines that express the essence of their terroir. The key difference lies in their stylistic approach:
For a fresh, fruit-forward Chardonnay that’s easy to enjoy and pairs well with casual fare, the Nine Hats Chardonnay is the way to go.
For a more refined, complex Chardonnay with a creamy texture and layers of flavor, the Nine Hats Reserve Chardonnay offers a sophisticated experience worthy of any special occasion.
Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on your personal preferences. Whether you’re in the mood for something crisp and refreshing or rich and luxurious, Nine Hats Winery has a Chardonnay for every palate.