Anyone who caught a glimpse of Koerner Rombauer in his signature red, white, and blue leather flight jacket knew he had a deep love for his country. Koerner joined the California Air National Guard at an early age and became a pilot. That tradition is carried on today by Koerner's grandson who serves in the United States Air Force. The family and staff at Rombauer Vineyards share this spirit of pride and gratitude for the place they call home. This lot is the first single vineyard Chardonnay from their newly-named Patriots Vineyard that honors Koerner Rombauer's legacy.
On the Sonoma side of the Carneros AVA, the 173-acre Patriots Vineyard is divided into 51 blocks and planted to Dijon and Hyde-Wente Chardonnay clones. Dijon brings opulence, while Hyde-Wente brings intensity and freshness. The cool but temperate climate and predominantly Haire Clay Loam soils create ideal growing conditions, giving grapes generous and balanced flavors. The grapes were hand-picked, whole cluster pressed and barrel fermented in 100% French oak barrels. The wine was aged sur lies for nine months with twice monthly batonnage to enhance texture and creaminess.
There were only 20 cases of this produced for the world! The bottles come with a special label to showcase the Sonoma County Barrel Auction, so you will not see the typical blue and gold Rombauer label on this wine. However, winemaker Richie Allen selected his favorite barrel of this wine, a barrel that speaks to the Patriots Vineyard's characteristics, and bottled this barrel all on its own...just for this auction! Folks, we truly feel that this is likely the best Rombauer Chardonnay ever to hit our shelves, and when these bottles are gone...they will NOT return...so get it while you can!
This Chardonnay is medium gold in color, and displays notes of Bosc pear, golden delicious apple, toasty oak, flint, clove, vanilla, pineapple upside down cake, and Meyer lemon. Full-bodied, opulent, and ripe, this Carneros Chardonnay is creamy yet refined as well, as it finishes clean and fresh, with hints of toasty oak and spice on the finish. This wine is truly a symphony of flavors!
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