- About This Wine
- Ratings & Reviews
- Tasting Notes
About This Wine
Ratings & Reviews
Tasting Notes
ABOUT THIS WINE
REVIEWS
WINEMAKER NOTES
The 2023 Rodney Strong Limited Russian River Valley Chardonnay is a striking example of what the appellation can achieve in a cool, drawn-out vintage. The bouquet bursts with a vivid interplay of ripe yellow peach, crystalline yuzu citrus, and the delicate lift of orchard blossoms, signaling the wine’s precision and aromatic vibrancy. On the palate, the wine reveals perfectly ripened Bartlett pears layered with subtle inflections of crème brûlée, the latter derived from thoughtful sur lie aging in carefully chosen French oak barrels. The result is a Chardonnay of depth and charm, marrying richness with finely tuned restraint. Its soft, persistent acidity buoys the creamy mid-palate, allowing the flavors to linger gracefully into a long, supple finish.
The uniqueness of the 2023 growing season cannot be overstated. A cool, moisture-laden winter delayed budbreak by nearly three weeks, setting the stage for a late and patient harvest. With daytime highs rarely venturing above the low 80s, the vines experienced one of the longest hang times in recent memory. This extended ripening season encouraged an extraordinary layering of fruit character and complexity, while the signature Russian River Valley morning fog and evening coastal breezes preserved the wine’s energy and acid spine. This harmony between ripeness and freshness defines the balance of the vintage and finds its purest expression in this limited bottling.
In the glass, the Chardonnay presents a striking duality—lush, mouthfilling fruit and oak-kissed creaminess balanced against crystalline tension. Each sip evokes a sense of place: the Russian River Valley’s cool-climate magic captured in liquid form. The finish is poised and elegant, a crescendo of fruit, spice, and minerality that showcases the winemaker’s restraint and the vintage’s inherent quality.
This is a Chardonnay of versatility and sophistication, equally at home beside soft, creamy cheeses as it is with roasted chicken or even filet mignon. Its supple structure and luxurious palate presence allow it to transcend the expectations of the varietal, offering both immediate drinking pleasure and the potential to evolve gracefully in bottle.
For those seeking a Chardonnay that epitomizes the Russian River Valley’s pedigree, the Rodney Strong 2023 Limited Release is a benchmark. It is a wine that commands attention, a rare balance of power and finesse, fruit and freshness, hedonism and precision. A true testament to both terroir and patience, it captures the essence of an unforgettable vintage with purity, complexity, and enduring grace.
Alcohol: 13.5%
The uniqueness of the 2023 growing season cannot be overstated. A cool, moisture-laden winter delayed budbreak by nearly three weeks, setting the stage for a late and patient harvest. With daytime highs rarely venturing above the low 80s, the vines experienced one of the longest hang times in recent memory. This extended ripening season encouraged an extraordinary layering of fruit character and complexity, while the signature Russian River Valley morning fog and evening coastal breezes preserved the wine’s energy and acid spine. This harmony between ripeness and freshness defines the balance of the vintage and finds its purest expression in this limited bottling.
In the glass, the Chardonnay presents a striking duality—lush, mouthfilling fruit and oak-kissed creaminess balanced against crystalline tension. Each sip evokes a sense of place: the Russian River Valley’s cool-climate magic captured in liquid form. The finish is poised and elegant, a crescendo of fruit, spice, and minerality that showcases the winemaker’s restraint and the vintage’s inherent quality.
This is a Chardonnay of versatility and sophistication, equally at home beside soft, creamy cheeses as it is with roasted chicken or even filet mignon. Its supple structure and luxurious palate presence allow it to transcend the expectations of the varietal, offering both immediate drinking pleasure and the potential to evolve gracefully in bottle.
For those seeking a Chardonnay that epitomizes the Russian River Valley’s pedigree, the Rodney Strong 2023 Limited Release is a benchmark. It is a wine that commands attention, a rare balance of power and finesse, fruit and freshness, hedonism and precision. A true testament to both terroir and patience, it captures the essence of an unforgettable vintage with purity, complexity, and enduring grace.
Alcohol: 13.5%
Socially Rated 4+ / 5 ⭐
An energetic expression of the Russian River Valley showing bright yellow peach and yuzu citrus aromas. On the palate, just ripe bartlett pears with a kiss of creme brulee from sur lie aging in carefully selected French oak barrels. Soft acidity uplifts the wine's full, creamy midpalate. Enjoy this Chardonnay with soft cheeses, roasted chicken and filet mignon.