Pooley Butcher’s Hill Chardonnay 2024

Alright, let’s talk about the sheer audacity of the 2024 Butcher’s Hill Chardonnay from Pooley. First off, this isn’t just any white wine cranked out in some generic vineyard. No, this is a wine ready to knock your socks off with a banger of a nose. We’re talking lime curd bursting open like a piñata at a kid’s birthday party. And guess what? There’s a whole fruity parade happening too: crunchy stone fruits, cumquat, fennel fronds, and even lemongrass waltzing through.

Now, hold on to your taste buds, because when you take a sip, it’s an explosion of flavors that feels like it should come with a warning label. Think of pink lady apples and nectarines making out with white peaches, all beautifully rounded out by notes of honey and crème brûlée that’s been freshly torched to perfection - big, bold, and proud of itself. And let’s not forget that cheeky finish of kaffir lime and candied citrus peels. It’s like a fruit vendor got carried away and added toasted almonds into the mix for good measure, but honestly, who’s complaining?

The steely acidity that cuts through this wine is like the sass we all need in our lives. It’s not just there for small talk; it’s an all-out conversation starter. The fermentation process in 40% new French Oak gives this wine a backbone, elevating it from your average summer sipper to something you could serve at a dinner party and actually impress your friends. Seriously, who knew oak could be so classy yet laid-back at the same time?

Let’s take a moment to appreciate where this juice comes from. The Butcher’s Hill Vineyard isn’t just any plot of land; it’s a glorious slope in Richmond, looking like it means business. With its 30 to 100 meters of elevation, this vineyard has sunlight pouring down like it’s auditioning for a solar energy commercial. The soil’s got a ferricrete quality that cradles heat and moisture, helping those grapes get all complex and robust - just the way we like it.

Sure, this wine will pair beautifully with food - maybe some grilled chicken or a seafood risotto - but here’s the deal: you can also just slam the bottle casually on a Thursday night while watching your favorite Netflix show. You do you. This wine doesn’t need fancy pairings to back it up. It’s got the swagger to stand alone and shine, every sip a reminder that white wine can pack a punch.

So here’s to Pooley and their unapologetically bold Butcher’s Hill Chardonnay. It doesn’t give a damn about your wine snobbery or whether you’re swishing it around in a Riedel glass. It just wants to be savored and enjoyed, one robust sip at a time. Want to explore more Chardonnay options? Check out Sandhi 2021 Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills or Cape Grace Chardonnay 2023. Cheers to that!

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