Hogue Yakima Valley Reserve Chardonnay 1998

We believe the term Reserve should stand for something on a wine label. That's why we only make our reserve level wines when we harvest grapes of unequaled quality and complexity. In 1998, we experienced just that vintage. The warm season produced a rich, ripe Chardonnay with such natural roundness and balance that we utilized only 32% malolactic fermentation to balance the acid levels and add richness. An additional 15 months in the barrel allowed the wine to develop complexity impossible to attain in a shorter aging period.

The wine has plenty of up front guava and orange blossom aromas, with a vanilla cream and chocolate background. A touch of yeasty, fresh bread character adds appeal on the nose. On the palate the 1998 Reserve Chardonnay is round and complex, with flavors of citrus and orange and a balanced structure. This Chardonnay should pair especially well with poached sole or roasted game hen.