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
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.
David, thank you for your own notes. There’s nothing like tasting these wines with food to figure them out.