Chalk Hill, Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesRodney Strong first planted Chardonnay vines in Sonoma's Chalk Hill area in 1965, and in 1977 he launched Chalk Hill Chardonnay. Thanks to his efforts. Chalk Hill was designated an official AVA in 1983. The cooling ocean fog and chalky-white volcanic soils seem destined for chardonnay. Barrel fermentation and one year's aging in new and seasoned French oak, with regular bâtonnage, sets the style for this wooded, full-bodied white. Toasty spice frames vanilla, ripe apple, lemon curd, and fine cream, trailing off into sultry nutmeg spicing on the finish. I wish we could see the site, rather than the winemaking. As is, this is a smart example of comfortable and familiar Sonoma chardy.Tasted: 06 April 2021Tasted by: Prices:
ON
$26.95
750ml
LCBO
BC
$27.99
750ml
BCLS
QC
$26.00
750ml
SAQ
SK
$29.99
750ml
SaskLiquor
AB
$27.99
750ml
private wine stores
US
$22.00
750ml
srp
Producer: Rodney Strong Estate VineyardsDistributors: Mark Anthony Wines and Spirits Grape: ChardonnayCSPC: 275552UPC: 087512923256
Chalk Hill, Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesA year down the road, a quick re-taste confirms the estate high-end chardonnay program is on track. The style is decidedly cooler with less overt oak and fruit, replaced by more texture and complexity. The light, volcanic, white ash soil of the Chalk Hill appellation is at the centre of this story. The style is fresh and juicy; the flavours a mix of pear, apple, and Meyer lemon with a nutty, mineral, wet stone underside. Ready to drink. We matched this with a cauliflower chickpea curry dish to perfection. 2017 Chalk Hill Chardonnay is barrel fermented in new (41 percent) oak and seasoned French oak for 18 months with regular lees stirring. It’s been 55 years since founder Rodney Strong planted chardonnay in 1965 to ultimately become the Chalk Hill AVA, established officially in 1983.Tasted: 22 February 2021Tasted by: Prices:
ON
$26.95
750ml
LCBO
BC
$27.99
750ml
BCLS
QC
$26.00
750ml
SAQ
SK
$29.99
750ml
SaskLiquor
AB
$27.99
750ml
private wine stores
US
$22.00
750ml
srp
Producer: Rodney Strong Estate VineyardsDistributors: Mark Anthony Wines and Spirits Grape: ChardonnayCSPC: 275552UPC: 087512923256
Chalk Hill, Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesThe estate high end chardonnay program is permeating the breadth of Rodney Strong chardonnays, leading with less overt oak and fruit, replaced by more texture and complexity. The light, volcanic, white ash soil of the Chalk Hill appellation is at the centre of this story. The style is fresh with bright, juicy, pear, apple, and Meyer lemon f with mineral, nutty, wet stone undertones that complex the character further. You can serve this with an array of seafood, roasted chicken, and creamy cheeses. 2017 Chalk Hill Chardonnay is barrel fermented in new (41 percent) oak and seasoned French oak for 18 months with regular lees stirring. It’s been 55 years since founder Rodney Strong planted chardonnay in 1965 in what would ultimately become the Chalk Hill AVA, established officially in 1983.Tasted: 19 January 2020Tasted by: Prices:
ON
$26.95
750ml
LCBO
BC
$27.99
750ml
BCLS
QC
$26.00
750ml
SAQ
SK
$29.99
750ml
SaskLiquor
AB
$27.99
750ml
private wine stores
US
$22.00
750ml
srp
Producer: Rodney Strong Estate VineyardsDistributors: Mark Anthony Wines and Spirits Grape: ChardonnayCSPC: 275552UPC: 087512923256