2008 J. Rochioli Chardonnay River Block Vineyard
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Tasting notes
Bright yellow. Pungent orchard fruits, flowers and minerals on the nose, with a suave smoky quality adding depth. Palate-staining pear and honeyed citrus flavors provide excellent palate coverage and repeat the smoky note. The minerality returns on the finish, which is broad, chewy and impressively long.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2008 Chardonnay River Block (made from old Wente and Hanzell clones) is a medium to full-bodied, elegant effort displaying abundant lemon and orange blossom notes along with hints of tropical fruits, crushed rocks, and pears. This zesty, substantial Chardonnay comes close to equaling the brilliant but more backward 2007 River Block. This is another beautiful portfolio of wines from Tom Rochioli. Since they all possess a similar style, one can quibble over just how much difference there is between all the different cuvees of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. However, there are subtle differences that I will do my best to articulate. With respect to his Pinot Noirs, Rochioli completely destems his grapes, does a cold soak for 4-5 days, and keeps the wines in 100% Francois Freres French cooperage for 14-16 months or less. The wines are racked directly from barrel to tank, and are bottled without fining or filtration. Tel. (707) 433-2305; Fax (707) 433-2358