2012 Gary Farrell Rochioli Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay

13.6% alc., pH 3.26, TA 0.69, 400 cases, $50. Release May 2014. The majority of this blend comes from the River Block clone 5 planted in 1989. Harvest Brix 22.5º. Whole cluster pressed, inoculated with Montrachet yeast, transferred to 40% new French oak barrels and 500-L puncheons for fermentation and 8 months of barrel aging. Racked off the lees once just before bottling. · Light golden yellow color in the glass. Aromas of petrichor, lemon, nut oils and eau de vie de poire. Somewhat lush on the palate, with appealing flavors of lemon curd, green apple, white peach, finishing with a grip of juicy minerality. Score: 90. Reviewed May 15, 2014

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