TN: 2004 J. Rochioli Chardonnay South River Vineyard

WINE TALK
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  • 2004 J. Rochioli Chardonnay South River Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley (10/17/2009)
    14.2% alcohol. Shimmering yellow color that betrays instantly the texture of this wine. Stunning bouquet of apple, creamy lemon, fig, minerals, and a floral note. In the mouth, one of the most texturally compelling white wines I’ve ever drunk. Gorgeous freshness as well as power, with loads of fruit that coated the mouth sumptuously and had a delightful lemon curd undertone. Layers of flavor and complexity are a marvel. Excellent acidity. Profoundly long, complex finish. This might well be the best California Chardonnay I’ve ever drunk. Delicious, pure, refreshing, and worthy of ruminating over. A

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Thanks for the tasting note.

I opened an 03 Rochioli South River Chard at a chard dinner the other night…it was likewise exceptional and similar flavors to your description. Seemed still young and on the upswing.

Also in attendance at the dinner was a 91 Calera Chard, which was amazing in its youthfulness/vibrancy. The best 15+ year old cal chard I’ve had.

Other wines: 03 Brewer Clifton Melville (which edged out the Rochioli slightly), Porter Creek (very good), Sonoma Cutrer “The Cutrer” (exceptional)…and other interesting wines that I didn’t write down.

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Nice, Eric, very nice! That Calera 1991 is exceptional, by all accounts. I think we’ve got a restaurant in town still stocking it from a recent library sale … great lineup there for you!