2012 J. Rochioli Chardonnay Rachael's Vineyard

The 2012 Chardonnay Rachael's Vineyard is the deepest and richest of these 2012 Chardonnays from Tom Rochioli. Tangerine, honey, mint and wild flowers all meld together in an oily, textured Chardonnay endowed with striking depth, nuance and clarity. The Rachael's is beautifully and persistent on the finish, with plenty of Mt. Eden clone finesse.

Made from the Mt. Eden clone, the 2012 Chardonnay Rachael’s Vineyard comes across as the most Corton-Charlemagne-like of these cuvees. I would not be surprised if decades ago this clonal material had been culled from Louis Latour’s Corton-Charlemagne vineyard in Burgundy. Very stony with lots of peach, honeysuckle, apricot, poached pear and buttered citrus characteristics, this big, rich, definitive Chardonnay has a certain flamboyance as well as a long, long finish. Drink it over the next 5-6 years. Most knowledgeable people in the wine world have enormous respect for the integrity, honesty and exceptionally high quality of the wines emanating from the Rochioli Vineyards in the Russian River area. Currently, Tom Rochioli runs the show, and if you are not on their mailing list, chances are you only have an opportunity to purchase their Estate Chardonnay, Estate Pinot Noir, and possibly their Sauvignon Blanc. Mailing list customers have access to their best single vineyard wines. The consistency of these wines, even in less than ideal vintages, has been remarkable over my career. When I saw Tom Rochioli in October, he was thrilled with what 2012 had provided, and was even more excited by the fact that 2013 may be even better. The Pinot Noirs are largely produced from different clonal materials, and each parcel represents different blocks within the Rochioli estate vineyards. Tel. (707) 433-2305