Perfectly ripe peach, raw pie crust, golden apple. Poached pear, powdered cinnamon, cantaloupe slice. Lemon curd, white nectarine, and fresh mango gracefully converge with nutmeg, honeysuckle, and clove in a impressively pretty and polished display. Delicate tones of Jasmine and dandelion emerge to provide hints of floral lift while baking spices and marshmallow dust reveal an airy yet decadent sheen. Mild impressions of weathered stones and sandy soil expose just a pinch of earthiness that is largely outshined by croissant, sawdust, and crushed straw. Soft and exceptionally smooth on the palate without coming off as overly ripe or round; showcasing pure and pristine fruit character lovingly complicated by the gentle caress of oak. Medium plus in body and well balanced with moderate acidity. This 2018 "Christina" Kenny Hill Vineyard Chardonnay by Den Hoed Wines Estates is a delightfully classic and delicious white from the Walla Walla Valley.

Although the Walla Walla Valley of Washington State is primarily known for its red wine production, this warm yet northerly region also produces some surprisingly serious and impressive whites. This bottling, crafted by Den Hoed Wine Estates using Chardonnay sourced from the Kenny Hill Vineyard, proves that Walla Walla can indeed make terrific whites. This wine possesses a classic new world Chardonnay profile highlighted by gorgeous stone fruits, apples, baked pear, and citrus, and it presents them with a overt yet unobtrusive kiss of oak. Its supple texture remains elegant without coming across as overly luxurious, and its soft and rather moderate acidity keeps it quite accessible for immediate consumption. This is a fun, fresh, and friendly Washington white.