2015 Ramey Chardonnay Rochioli Vineyard Russian River Valley

Stylish Russian River Chardonnay

2015 Ramey Chardonnay Rochioli Vineyard Russian River Valley

Rochioli Vineyard’s sandy loam and cobble was planted to a mix of Chardonnay clones from the 1990s through the early aughts. In 2015, the fruit was harvested at an average of 23.1˚ Brix, whole-cluster pressed, and barrel fermented with ambient cultures. The wine went through complete malolactic fermentation and aged 20 months in French oak, one-quarter new.

Although the vintage, cellar, and élevage protocols are nearly the same as for the winery’s Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay, this is a completely different wine. It’s less concentrated, less dense. The fragrance is more mineral and slightly (pleasingly) reductive. The aromas read like Meyer lemon peel, wet clay, and rubbed sage. Light-textured with a candle of yellow acidity in the middle, the wine exhales in savory spice.

Whereas Richie is for rich foods, Rochioli is for somewhat leaner fare. Try lobster and shrimp, roasted poultry and fowl, springy cheeses, and vegetable cuisine studded with roasted nuts or nut oils. (You need some weight, regardless.)

 

2015 Ramey Chardonnay Rochioli Vineyard Russian River Valley

14.5% abv | $65 (sample); 750 cases made

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2 replies on “2015 Ramey Chardonnay Rochioli Vineyard Russian River Valley”
  1. says: David B

    We had the ‘15 Rochioli with the ‘15 Hyde at Christmas with lobster. The Hyde was larger scaled and spicier. The Rochioli more lemony and brighter. They were both lovely, though somehow I just feel like Hyde is the perfect partner for David’s winemaking.

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