Winemaker Notes
Rodney Strong barrel fermented 60% of their California Chardonnay and aged that portion in French oak barrels, stirring the lees every month to lend a creaminess to the mouthfeel and a touch of spice and vanilla to the flavors. The remainder was cold-fermented in stainless steel to heighten the fresh tropical and citrus fruit character. This vintage displays aromas of lemon curd and apple with hints of toasty oak and baking spices. The finish is long and lingering with silky notes of fresh pear and pineapple.
Enjoy this wine with grilled asparagus, seared tuna with a mango-avocado salsa or an apple and brie grilled cheese.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This wine is lively, with aromas of Golden Delicious apple, pineapple, papaya and notes of lemongrass on the nose. Flavors on the palate are white peach, lemon curd, clove and vanilla bean cream, with a long supple finish.
Founded by wine industry pioneer, Rod Strong, in 1959, Rodney Strong Vineyards is now owned by the Kleins, a farming-based family that prides itself on land stewardship and a relentless push for superior wine quality from Sonoma County. After purchasing the company in 1989, Tom Klein began the endeavor that today brings together excellent vineyards, the industry's finest winemaking equipment, and exceptional talent. The winery farms and sources grapes from vineyards throughout Sonoma County, focusing on Alexander Valley, Russian River Valley and Chalk Hill. Rodney Strong Vineyards is best known for its estate-bottled and vineyard-designated wines, and is also recognized for their sustainable and Fish Friendly Farming, dedication to solar energy production and becoming carbon neutral in 2009.
California’s most praised white wine, Chardonnay is also the state’s most planted white grape variety. Diverse terrain and microclimates allow for an incredible range of wine styles.
Chardonnay planted in the cooler, coastal zones takes on bright characteristics like lemon zest, key lime, green apple and wet flint. For this style, look to the chilly Sonoma Coast, Carneros, Santa Cruz Mountains, Santa Lucia Highlands and Edna Valley.
The inland zones of California’s coast, such as the Russian River, Sonoma, Napa and Livermore Valleys maintain a more Goldilocks-esque climate where both styles go. Early picking retains acidity and creates a leaner style but leaving the grapes to hang creates an approachable Chardonnay, balancing richness and finesse.
Chardonnay also plays a major part in the sparkling wine production of the Anderson Valley and Carneros.