rombauer chardonnay proprietor selection 2021 750ml

Proprietor selection is a reserve chardonnay produced only in exceptonal vintages by blending the best barrels from the finest lots. the 2021 represents the 15th vintage in 42 years. like all of our chardonnays, this wine comes from carneros where the cool climate and clay soils offer ideal growing conditions.

VINEYARDS

The wine comes from elite vineyards in the Carneros region owned by the Rombauer family and select growers including the Sangiacomo family, long-term grower partners who have farmed this land for three generations.

WINEGROWING

There were light rains in January and February and then no notable precipitation occurred for the rest of the growing season. This allowed the fruit to flower and set beautifully, leading into a warm summer without major heat spikes. Sustainable farming practicies throughout the growing season were tailored to each block with the assistance of aerial photos produced using NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) technology. Harvest was long, with the ideal conditions allowing us to pick each block at its optimal ripeness and at night to preserve its natural acidity. WINEMAKING The grapes were gently whole-cluster pressed while the fruit was still cool. The juice was pumped to tank to cold-settle overnight before it was racked to barrel for primary and malolactic fermentations. The lees were stirred every two weeks to give wine rich flavors and a creamy texture. Each barrel was hand-selected for this wine.

TASTING NOTES

Expressive and concentrated aromas of grapefruit and lime sorbet with hints of clove are present in the glass. It is rich and intense on the palate with sweet peach, clove, and freshly baked pastry flavors. There is a bright refreshing acidity that gives way to more stone fruit flavors that continue to build on the very long and concentrated finish.

FOOD PAIRINGS

Our favorite Joy of Cooking pairings for this wine include Fettucine Alfredo, Corn Soup, and Nicoise salad.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM

WE93, Wine Enthusiast

"Subtlety and good balance are the hallmarks of this medium- to full-bodied, nicely layered and quietly rich wine. Modest notes of baked apples, pineapples and nutmeg fill the palate while a toasty, lemony accent keeps it dancing.'

JS91, James Suckling

"Fruity and tropical chardonnay with aromas of grapefruit, lemon curd, melon and pineapple. It’s medium-bodied, with juicy yellow fruit and a clean and fresh finish. Drink now."

750ml Bottle