Very few sites in California truly merit 'Grand Cru' status, but if American vineyards were ever officially classified, Rochioli would undoubtedly sit at the top. The family's passion for world-class viticulture dates back to 1968, when Joe Rochioli Jr. first planted Pinot Noir in soils shaped by cool coastal winds-the quintessential Russian River Valley terroir. While they supply select fruit to legendary producers like Williams Selyem and Gary Farrell, the family keeps the absolute best for their own estate bottlings. Best of all? Jeb Dunnuck just awarded this benchmark wine 98 points-and it's available today for under $65.
The Rochioli family farms some of the oldest Chardonnay vines in Sonoma County. While these low-yielding old vines yield only a fraction of the fruit they once did, the depth and concentration they produce are unrivaled. This bottling brings together three legendary parcels that form the backbone of the estate: Riverblock, Mid-40, and Little Hill. Given their cult status, Rochioli wines almost never make it to retail shelves, but we managed to secure a tiny allocation of this exceptional gem.
Aged in 30% new French oak, the wood never dominates; rather, it dovetails beautifully with the wine's vibrant fruit profile. On the nose, nuanced aromas of Meyer lemon, pineapple rind, and vanilla shortbread lift effortlessly from the glass. The palate echoes that elegance with a rich display of banana crème, ripe tropical fruit, and pound cake, while a lively, well-placed acidity brings a wonderfully crisp and refreshing finish.
Between the 98-point accolade, the sub-$65 price point, and Rochioli's legendary status, this allocation won't last. Whether you plan to pop the cork for a special dinner or lay a few bottles down in the cellar, this is a rare chance to own true California royalty without the typical cult-wine markup.
JEB DUNNUCK 98 POINTS - "Ryan Rochioli is now taking charge of this wine. The 2024 Chardonnay Estate is a bright yellow hue and carries more structure and youthful astringency than some of the others in the lineup, though I suspect it simply needs time. Pineapple rind, almond, candlewax, spice, richness, and immense length all emerge on the palate. Powerful but never heavy. Drink 2026-2040."
ANTONIO GALLONI 92 POINTS - "The 2024 Chardonnay Estate is a fabulous introduction to the range—aromatic, pliant and super expressive. Crushed flowers, mint, white pepper and slate lend notable brilliance. This mid-weight, airy Chardonnay is so elegant, so refined."
WINE SPECTATOR 92 POINTS - "Lemon blossom, orange curd and honeysuckle notes are generous and intense, with marzipan, panna cotta and orange pound cake flavors on a smooth and creamy frame. Shows plenty of generosity and focus on the finish, where cardamom and candied ginger linger. Drink now through 2037. 1,728 cases made."
The Rochioli family farms some of the oldest Chardonnay vines in Sonoma County. While these low-yielding old vines yield only a fraction of the fruit they once did, the depth and concentration they produce are unrivaled. This bottling brings together three legendary parcels that form the backbone of the estate: Riverblock, Mid-40, and Little Hill. Given their cult status, Rochioli wines almost never make it to retail shelves, but we managed to secure a tiny allocation of this exceptional gem.
Aged in 30% new French oak, the wood never dominates; rather, it dovetails beautifully with the wine's vibrant fruit profile. On the nose, nuanced aromas of Meyer lemon, pineapple rind, and vanilla shortbread lift effortlessly from the glass. The palate echoes that elegance with a rich display of banana crème, ripe tropical fruit, and pound cake, while a lively, well-placed acidity brings a wonderfully crisp and refreshing finish.
Between the 98-point accolade, the sub-$65 price point, and Rochioli's legendary status, this allocation won't last. Whether you plan to pop the cork for a special dinner or lay a few bottles down in the cellar, this is a rare chance to own true California royalty without the typical cult-wine markup.
JEB DUNNUCK 98 POINTS - "Ryan Rochioli is now taking charge of this wine. The 2024 Chardonnay Estate is a bright yellow hue and carries more structure and youthful astringency than some of the others in the lineup, though I suspect it simply needs time. Pineapple rind, almond, candlewax, spice, richness, and immense length all emerge on the palate. Powerful but never heavy. Drink 2026-2040."
ANTONIO GALLONI 92 POINTS - "The 2024 Chardonnay Estate is a fabulous introduction to the range—aromatic, pliant and super expressive. Crushed flowers, mint, white pepper and slate lend notable brilliance. This mid-weight, airy Chardonnay is so elegant, so refined."
WINE SPECTATOR 92 POINTS - "Lemon blossom, orange curd and honeysuckle notes are generous and intense, with marzipan, panna cotta and orange pound cake flavors on a smooth and creamy frame. Shows plenty of generosity and focus on the finish, where cardamom and candied ginger linger. Drink now through 2037. 1,728 cases made."
