Rombauer Proprietor Selection Chardonnay 2023 (750 ml)

This exceptional Chardonnay is sourced from elite vineyards in the Carneros AVA, straddling Napa and Sonoma counties in California. Fruit comes from carefully tended, estate-owned parcels—including those farmed by the Sangiacomo family, long-time Rombauer partners—planted in cool, clay-rich soils ideal for capturing elegance and vibrancy in Chardonnay. The 2023 vintage marks the sixteenth release of the Proprietor Selection, and its production hinges on a meticulous hand‐selection of the finest barrels. Grapes were whole‐cluster pressed, fermented with both primary and malolactic spirits, and aged in a mix of American and French oak (roughly 40% new) while undergoing twice-monthly lees stirring to develop its signature creamy texture.

In the glass, this full-bodied Chardonnay shows a pale golden straw hue and a richly layered aroma profile—think nectarine, white and yellow peach, grapefruit, lime sorbet, and delicate floral notes like honeysuckle, all complemented by warm spices such as clove and ginger. On the palate, it’s equally expressive: luscious orchard fruits like peach, nectarine, and lemon curd are woven together with brioche and pastry-like richness from the oak. The wine’s creamy mid-palate is balanced by bright, lifted acidity—keeping it fresh and giving way to a long, concentrated finish that builds with more stone fruit and spice nuances.