Rombauer Chardonnay has an almost cult-like following. To understand why you need to try an iconic Rombauer Carneros Chardonnay 2019 from California. It’s intense, “loud,” and delicious.
Rombauer Vineyards
In over 40-years of history, Rombauer vineyards built the name for themselves and gave a jump start as a custom-crush facility to an elite group of up-and-coming wineries, including Dominus, Neyers Cellars, Spottswoode, Duckhorn, Merryvale, Corison, Etude, and others.\
The success didn’t come overnight. It took hard work and determination. In 1993 Rombauer’s Carneros Chardonnay 1991 vintage made Wine Spectator’s prestigious Top 100 Wines list, ranking No. 68, for the first time. Two years later, the 1993 vintage jumped to No. 32.
Since 2004 Rombauer’s Carneros Chardonnay is consistently ranked among the Top 10 Chardonnays in Wine + Spirits Magazine’s annual Restaurant Wine Poll.
Fast forward to 2020, and Rombauer Vineyards today is an authority in the California premiere wine scene. Yet, as Rombauer Vineyards celebrates its 40th anniversary, it’s a family-owned winery in Napa Valley, operated by Koerner and Joan Rombauer children KR and Sheana. The family’s third-generation Reagan Rombauer Blackwood is already involved in Rombauer Vineyards as an Associate Brand Manager.
Rombauer’s Winemaker
After graduating from the University of Adelaide in Australia, Richie gained practical experience making wine in Australia and New Zealand. But having tasted Californian wine before, he couldn’t get it out of his head.
In 2004 Richie Allen came to Rombauers to help with the harvest and never left. His talent was recognized early on, and in 2008 he became the head winemaker. In 2013 he was named Director of Viticulture and Winemaking.
Rombauer Carneros Chardonnay 2019
Rombauer kinda jumps from the glass with tropical aromas of bananas, tangerines, and kiwi with a touch of ripe apricots. While it is an unapologetically Californian Chardonnay with pronounced buttery and oaky notes, butter and oak don’t mask the fruit.
It has an equally powerful flavor profile of yellow apple, mango, dried bananas, and creamy butter.
The mouthwatering acidity helps to balance ripe fruit and refresh the palate. We found ourselves reaching for another sip and another sip of this quintessential Californian Chardonnay.
Conclusion
We can see why Rombauer has an almost cult-like following. Its voluptuous hedonistic character appeal to Wine Swingers, who like potent wines with a loud personality.
We must confess. We don’t drink buttery and oaky Chardonnay, but when we do next time, it most likely will be Rombauer Carneros Chardonnay.
What is your favorite Californian Chardonnay? We would love to try it.
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