Description
J. Rochioli Vineyards & Winery is a true Sonoma County pioneer with a family legacy that began in 1911. The Rochioli family has been farming this unique spot in the Russian River Valley for over 85 years, and it was the foresight of Joe Rochioli Jr. that led them to plant fine Pinot Noir and Chardonnay clones from France in the 1960s. Today, under the guidance of third-generation winemaker Tom Rochioli, the winery has earned a reputation as one of California’s finest producers. Tom believes that their land is so exceptional that it “rivals any of the world’s great vineyards,” a conviction born from an intimate knowledge of the diversity in their soil types and the region’s unique microclimate of morning fog and cool evening breezes.
The 2023 Estate Chardonnay is a precise, handcrafted blend of the single vineyard sites on the Rochioli property. Tom Rochioli, inspired by a trip to Burgundy, ferments each block separately to capture its unique character, a micro-batch process that was pioneering in the region. The final blend of this wine consists of 52% Mid-40, 42% River Block, and 6% Little Hill—carefully selected to represent the unique quality and character of Rochioli Vineyards. The goal is to craft a terroir-driven wine with a foundation of superb fruit, with minimal intervention in the cellar. The wine, a fine example of the unique characters from the property, is bottled with a promise of reward for those with the patience to cellar it.
The 2023 Rochioli Estate Chardonnay offers a fine example of the unique characters of the property. Expect complex aromas of spice, apple, pear, and vanilla, with a delicate touch of yeasty complexity. The palate is defined by rich apple flavors and crisp acidity. Although young now, those with the patience to cellar this wine will be rewarded with a rich, opulent, and beautifully balanced Chardonnay that reflects its unique terroir.
Wine Advocate rated this wine 94 Points, saying: “The 2023 Chardonnay Estate is wonderfully expressive! It has inviting aromas of poached pears, quince, vanilla, beeswax and hazelnut. The medium-bodied palate features pure, mineral-laced flavors and a seamless, silky texture. It’s balanced by vibrant acidity and has a very long, elegant finish.”
Vincous rated this wine 91 Points, saying: “The 2023 Chardonnay Estate is a gorgeous entry-level wine in this range. Pear, spice, tangerine peel and light tropical accents all grace this understated offering from Tom Rochioli. This 2023 is a fine edition of the Estate Chardonnay.”
Wine Advocate rated this wine 92 Points, saying: “Carricante that is aged in stainless steel on the fine lees for 10 months. The fruit used here represents an informal blend from the Contrade Arrigo, Verzelle and Piano dei Daini. This wine shows a golden straw color with medium texture and a little extra heft from a hot vintage that you feel over the palate. It offers waxy aromas of sweet peach and poached pear. There is more richness here compared to your standard Etna Bianco.”
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