2018 J. Rochioli Chardonnay River Block Vineyard
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Tasting notes
The 2018 Chardonnay River Block comes from a section along the river planted in 1989 to Wente clone vines. The nose opens with a pleasant waft of candle smoke and gunflint over a core of white peaches with accents of roasted almonds and honey. The palate is light to medium-bodied, silky and fresh with gently savory fruits and a long, earthy finish.
Critic scores
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Leading off the two single vineyard Chardonnays, the 2018 Chardonnay River Block is the riper, more tropical of the two and has a medium gold color, sexy notes of melon, pineapple, flowers, spice, and peaches, medium to full body, a rounded, layered texture, and integrated acidity. It's going to benefit from 6-12 months of bottle age and evolve for 7-8 years.
Rochioli's 2018 Chardonnay River Block is rich, bold and luscious. Orange peel, mint, butter, dried flowers, chamomile and lightly honeyed notes show the oiliness and texture that is typical of Wente Clone Chardonnay. Rochioli originally sourced this wood from Kistler's Vine Hill property.