Winemaker Notes
Aromas of ripe peach and melon are found on the nose, interspersed with bright citrus notes. These continue to the palate where they are met by flavors of creamy vanilla and buttery nuances on the long finish. Rombauer’s signature bright acidity is evident throughout each sip, balancing the softness of the midpalate.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
From a terrific vintage, Rombauer's 2023 Chardonnay delivers a classic California rendition, with toasty, nutty accents to the pineapple and melon fruit; some vaguely floral notes sneak in as well. It's full-bodied, plump, creamy, lush and easy to drink, while the long finish is vanilla-stained but remains bright and fresh.
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Wine Spectator
There's plenty of energy to the juicy and plump core of tangerine, mango and peach. Shows a distinctive spice note, with clove, cardamom and nutmeg making this distinctive, especially on the finish, which mingles seamlessly with toasted, buttery brioche details. Drink now. 349,220 cases made.
One of the most popular and versatile white wine grapes, Chardonnay offers a wide range of flavors and styles depending on where it is grown and how it is made. While it tends to flourish in most environments, Chardonnay from its Burgundian homeland produces some of the most remarkable and longest lived examples. California produces both oaky, buttery styles and leaner, European-inspired wines. Somm Secret—The Burgundian subregion of Chablis, while typically using older oak barrels, produces a bright style similar to the unoaked style. Anyone who doesn't like oaky Chardonnay would likely enjoy Chablis.
Known for elegant wines that combine power and finesse, Carneros is set in the rolling hills that straddle the southernmost parts of both Sonoma and Napa counties. The cooling winds from the abutting San Pablo Bay, combined with lots of midday California sunshine, create an ideal environment for producing wines with a perfect balance of crisp acidity and well-ripened fruit.
This cooler pocket of California lends itself to growing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah. Carneros is an important source of sparkling wines made in the style of Champagne as well.