Rodney Strong Chalk Hill Chardonnay – A Strong Contender

The most expensive Chardonnay in the competition vies for a top ranking. Chardonnay ShowdownPost #9

100% Chardonnay aged 10 months in French oak barrels. SRP of $20 but should be widely available for around $16. Sample received courtesy Rodney Strong Vineyards for review purposes.

From the bottle:

“STYLE: Fermented in French Oak, this Chardonnay displays yellow apple and pie spice flavors, with a hint of mineral on the long, creamy finish.
PLACE: Located in the middle of Sonoma County, overlaying the Eastern section of Russian River Valley, Chalk Hill’s ashen soils lend a distinctive mineral character to Chardonnay grown here.
13.5% Alcohol”

The 2009 Rodney Strong Estate Vineyards Chalk Hill Chardonnay exhibits a subdued nose of predominantly apple with some creamy vanilla notes. The wine tastes of apple, pear, lemon, spice, and lots of oak, which is a bit on the toasted side. Overall a very flavorful wine. The finish is medium long with a nice spiciness to it while the cream and apple flavors flow through. This wine even got a little better on day 2 so don’t be afraid to give it some air. I was a little worried about the amount of oak before tasting this wine, but it definitely works. A strong contender!

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