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2011 J. Rochioli Single Vineyard Chardonnays
Home, Greensboro, NC
Tasted August 4, 2018 - August 6, 2018 by Vinsboro with 95 views
Introduction
We decided to taste these after sitting on them for so long and then seeing the wide discrepancy in the reviews, and indications of decline.
Flight 1 (3 notes)
White
2011 J. Rochioli Chardonnay South River Vineyard
80 points
Brass colored. Aromas of burnt caramel and butterscotch. Oxidized. Lots of bitterness and exhausted fruit on the palate. Far past prime. Not really drinkable. Sourced from the winery.
White
2011 J. Rochioli Chardonnay River Block
90 points
Medium yellow. Intensely sulfidey nose - burnt rubber, match sticks, almost skunky. Any fruit overwhelmed by the other aromas. Blossomed as it warmed and took on air, with apple and pear crostata aromas emerging and echoed on the palate. Drink now, with decant. Sourced from the winery.
Epilogue: drank this again two nights later. Much more integrated and approachable.
Epilogue: drank this again two nights later. Much more integrated and approachable.
White
2011 J. Rochioli Chardonnay Rachael's Vineyard
93 points
Medium yellow. Crystal clear. Roasted banana nose. Very tropical. Mild notes of oak. Medium weight in the mouth. Toasty apple and pear, with almond and apricot. Vivacious and persistent, long reverberating finish. Best of the three. Drink now. Sourced from winery.
Closing
Two wines were good, one was bad. These were all sourced directly from Rochioli at the same time and stored well. I intend to repeat this tasting before the end of the year, and will add Sweetwater from the same vintage and also Peay Estate for a contrast of geography and style. Stay tuned.