Rombauer Chardonnay 2023

In reviewing the notes I made while tasting this last night (okay, so it was not really a “tasting,” it was more like a “drinking”), I think I must have been a little buzzed. I got pretty worked up about how much I liked this: Toasted Buttered Bunny Bread, butterscotch, lemon, nutmeg, tropical fruit, honeydew melon, and lemon gingersnap cookies, the most beautiful golden color in the glass! There was a lot of acid; this was a big wine, and I thought it paired well with the salmon and lemon-dill sauce, potatoes with lemon and garlic, that I had for dinner. I also jotted some silly notes about how the wine seemed “feminine,” in style and “floral.” I even wrote something about the perfume counter at Dillard’s. Whether I was unduly influenced by the wine itself, the fact it was Thursday night, or my overall sense of well-being, is hard to say. It might even had had something to do with the fact I was watching Parker Posey in “The White Lotus,” and cracking up. I could have been channeling Victoria Ratliff when I said, “This is a tsunami of a chardonnay!” Bottom line, I liked this one.

What did the experts say? Vinousreverie.com said: Aromas of ripe peach and melon are found on the nose, interspersed with bright citrus notes. These continue to the palate where they are met by flavors of creamy vanilla and buttery nuances on the long finish. Rombauer’s signature bright acidity is evident throughout each sip, balancing the softness of the midpalate. Food Pairing: Crab Cakes, Barley Risotto or Strawberry Shortcake.

Brix26.com said: Rombauer Vineyards’ Carneros Chardonnay has enticing aromas of bright citrus and melon are layered with spice, vanilla and a touch of butter. Vibrant flavors of mango and guava meld with vanilla and soft spice on the creamy, rich palate. The finish is juicy and satisfying with refreshing acidity that makes you crave another sip

True Chardonnay fans have Rombauer at the top of their list year in and year out. The new release of the Rombauer Carneros Chardonnay is golden yellow color with a pale hue. Seductive aromas of peach, melon, and citrus are balanced with honeysuckle and vanilla. On the palate, flavors of pears, peaches and melons are backed with lively acidity. A nice touch of vanilla-scented oak provides an added flavor dimension. The creamy palate has a lingering finish of melon and citrus fruit with a satisfying buttery complexity.  Our favorite pairing for this wine includes scallops in a cream sauce, pasta carbonara, chicken risotto and Cornish game hen.