Wine Article
2019 Rodney Strong Chardonnay Reserve Russian River Valley
Last edited on 11/12/2021 by murphsmurf
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Tasting Notes
The 2019 vintage of our Reserve Chardonnay has wonderful aromas of poached pear, green apple and custard, leading to creamy oak and a touch of vanilla. The rich, full mouthfeel shows creme brulee and pina colada on a decadent palate. It finishes smooth and creamy with toasted oak and baked bread highlights.
Winemaking Notes
Our 2019 Reserve Chardonnay was handpicked at night, whole cluster pressed, cold settled, fermented in select barrels with native yeast, allowed to go completely through native malolactic fermentation, and aged sur-lie with monthly bātonnage. Then individual barrels were selected for the final blend.
History
Our Reserve wines are the result of a careful blend of individual lots from meticulously farmed sections of some of the very best vineyards in Sonoma County. Created in our small lot Artisan Cellar, Winemaker Greg Morthole employs techniques such as cluster pre-sorting and extended maceration. With small tanks and equipment sized for the most discriminating vineyard selection process, our cellar is state-of-the-art and represents the Klein family commitment to producing the finest wines possible.
The Vineyards
Sonoma County started off with copious amounts of rain saturating the soil in late winter and spring, about 150% of normal. Heavier rains continued off and on into May followed by early summer heat waves in June which acclimated the vines to warmer weather. Moderate temperatures through the rest of summer allowed for even cluster development. The harvest season was pleasant, with warm weather developing sugar and allowing flavors to ripen until the grapes were harvested September 16-17.
Appellation: Russian River Valley
Varietal: Chardonnay
Alcohol: 14.5%
TA: 0.58g/100ml
PH: 3.52
Cellar & Fermentation: 14 months in French oak barrels, 88% new
The 2019 vintage of our Reserve Chardonnay has wonderful aromas of poached pear, green apple and custard, leading to creamy oak and a touch of vanilla. The rich, full mouthfeel shows creme brulee and pina colada on a decadent palate. It finishes smooth and creamy with toasted oak and baked bread highlights.
Winemaking Notes
Our 2019 Reserve Chardonnay was handpicked at night, whole cluster pressed, cold settled, fermented in select barrels with native yeast, allowed to go completely through native malolactic fermentation, and aged sur-lie with monthly bātonnage. Then individual barrels were selected for the final blend.
History
Our Reserve wines are the result of a careful blend of individual lots from meticulously farmed sections of some of the very best vineyards in Sonoma County. Created in our small lot Artisan Cellar, Winemaker Greg Morthole employs techniques such as cluster pre-sorting and extended maceration. With small tanks and equipment sized for the most discriminating vineyard selection process, our cellar is state-of-the-art and represents the Klein family commitment to producing the finest wines possible.
The Vineyards
Sonoma County started off with copious amounts of rain saturating the soil in late winter and spring, about 150% of normal. Heavier rains continued off and on into May followed by early summer heat waves in June which acclimated the vines to warmer weather. Moderate temperatures through the rest of summer allowed for even cluster development. The harvest season was pleasant, with warm weather developing sugar and allowing flavors to ripen until the grapes were harvested September 16-17.
Appellation: Russian River Valley
Varietal: Chardonnay
Alcohol: 14.5%
TA: 0.58g/100ml
PH: 3.52
Cellar & Fermentation: 14 months in French oak barrels, 88% new