Bottle Notes, Chardonnay

2011 J. Rochioli Chardonnay South River Vineyard – Bottle Notes

Rochioli is one of the true pioneers in Russian River Valley, with a winemaking history dating back to the the late 1950′s. In 1987 Rochioli released their first estate wine, the 1985 Rochioli Pinot Noir. Although best known for their world class Pinot Noir, Rochioli also produces remarkable Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

The winery has published a detailed map of the Estate Vineyard that is required viewing for fans of the winery.

Gold in color. 14.5% ABV. Super nose of pears, smoke, lemon oil and butterscotch. Full bodied with medium acidity. Rich, oily and smoky. Poached pears, creme brulee and minerals on the palate. The finish is long and spicy. Really good wine but lacking those tropical fruit notes I find so appealing in the Rochioli Chardonnay program. Best over the next 1-2 years.

My rating: 91 points.

The 2019 version of this wine will be released next Spring to members of the mailing list.

At present time (and for the foreseeable future) buying from Rochioli via the mailing list is not an option. The Estate wines do show up at retail periodically, and the winery’s Russian River Valley tasting room is still open by appointment. They may only be pouring a couple of wines, but it’s a great opportunity to buy a bottle for a picnic on their lovely patio and a few more to bring home for the cellar.

I’ve blogged about Rochioli previously in the The 2018 Zinfandel Chronicles Power Rankings and the Fab 5 of Mailing Lists.

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