Stony Hill Vineyard was founded in 1943 when Fred and Eleanor McCrea bought a goat ranch on Spring Mountain in Napa Valley, California. In in 1947 they planted Chardonnay vineyards and in 1952 they had their debut release. Today the winery is run by son Peter McCrea and though the estate still is best known for Chardonnay, it also produces Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Semillon and red table wine. The winery is perhaps best known for how age worthiness of the white wines.
Very light gold in color. Almost pale. 12% ABV. Reticent on the nose but over time reveals aromas of green apples, stones and wildflowers. Viscous and oily on the palate. Light to medium acidity. Flavors of pears, melons and minerals. Somewhat subdued on the finish. I’ll admit my experience with Stony Hill is somewhat limited but I’m not sure this wine has the structure to age like a classic Stony Hill Riesling. I’d be inclined to enjoy this over the next 2-4 years.
My rating: 89 points.
Stony Hill is available via the winery and more often than not at retail. This wine was fairly priced at $25.
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