2012 Gary Farrell Rochioli-Allen Vineyards Russian River Valley Chardonnay

13.8% alc., pH 3.32, TA 0.65, 317 cases, $50. Sourced from two adjacent vineyards, Rochioli and Allen. Mainly clones 76 and 15 from three blocks of the Allen Vineyard and the balance is clone 5 from the Rochioli River Block. Harvest Brix 22.5º-23.0º. Whole cluster pressed using two regimens. River Block grapes pressed using a slightly more extractive program, while a gentle, modified Champagne program was used for the smaller clusters of the Allen Vineyard. After pressing, the juice was transferred for native fermentation and 8 months of barrel aging in 40% new French oak barrels and 500-L puncheons. The wine was racked off the primary lees only once before bottling. · Light golden yellow color in the glass. Clean and bright on the nose with aromas of lemon, citrus blossom, golden apple, and passion fruit. Richly flavored with baked apple, yellow peach, apricot and caramel with a creamy mouth feel and a burst of electric, citrus-driven acidity on the finish. Score: 90. Reviewed May 15, 2014

Winery: Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery
From article: Sips of Recently Tasted California Chardonnay