Chardonnay 'Rochioli Vineyard'

Score

97

"The 2022 Chardonnay Rochioli Vineyard is stunning! Sourced from vines planted in 1989, 1995 and 1998, grapes were harvested on August 22, before the Labor Day heat wave. The wine was barrel-fermented, underwent full malolactic conversion and matured for 20 months in 20% new French oak barrels. It has an intense perfume of candied peach and nectarine, honeycomb, matchstick and soaring floral aromas. The palate is satiny and expansive with concentrated, mouth-coating flavors. It™s balanced by vibrant acidity and has a tremendously long finish."

Score

95

"The Rochioli family has been growing grapes on their property since the late 1950s, with the vineyard now farmed by the third generation. The 2021 Ramey Rochioli blend is sourced from 82% Mid-40 Block and 18% River Block. This wine delivers a gorgeous intensity of fruit and pressed wildflowers. On the palate, ripe lemon peel fruit expands into the mid-palate, where density builds alongside remarkable tension, all balanced by an extraordinary silky richness. Pure and riveting, laced with subtle vanilla accents, fantastic ginger character, and poached pear. A Chardonnay of intense richness and impressive length. (The first vineyard-designate release from Ramey was the 2015 vintage, though Ramey has been sourcing these grapes since 2008.)"

Score

95

"A creamy, delicate wine from a famous, time-tested vineyard. It shows intricate layers of lemon curd, meringue, lime zest and crisp apples on an elegant texture. It emphasizes mineral and saline flavors that expand slowly on the palate and linger in the finish. Drink now or hold."

Score

95

"This white's impressive flavors of fresh, ripe peach and apricot are fleshy and juicy, with vibrant accents of Fuji apple, pear and grilled lemon, while the acidity gives more energy to the core. Grace notes of candied citrus zest, crunchy sea salt and fennel pollen, plus a touch of lemon basil, gain momentum on the finish. Drink now through 2039."M.W."

Score

93

"The 2022 Chardonnay Rochioli Vineyard is bright and focused, but also understated in feel. Sweet floral and citrus notes give the 2022 lovely aromatic presence to match the wine's understated, mid-weight personality. Bright saline tones add energy and tension throughout. Lemon peel, white pepper and crushed rocks linger."