Gary Farrell
Rochioli-Allen Vineyards Chardonnay
Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA
Had to find something that went with gorgonzola pear salad, butternut squash soup and herb pork loin. Although I would have liked to have had a 10yr old montrachet, this had to fill in as it was all I had here. And what a surprising job it did. Lots of good acidity here throughout. Medium+ bodied. Yellow fruit, not many tropical notes but did have more of a herbal characteristix and this hint of mushroom risotto in the background that was a bit intriguing but I do not feel this was a flaw or taint. Really quite a nice wine that I've not had, but learned 2 things about: 1. This drinks very 'old world' and 2. The 2016 I've been holding on to is likely ready to go.
Had to find something that went with gorgonzola pear salad, butternut squash soup and herb pork loin. Although I would have liked to have had a 10yr old montrachet, this had to fill in as it was all I had here. And what a surprising job it did. Lots of good acidity here throughout. Medium+ bodied. Yellow fruit, not many tropical notes but did have more of a herbal characteristix and this hint of mushroom risotto in the background that was a bit intriguing but I do not feel this was a flaw or taint. Really quite a nice wine that I've not had, but learned 2 things about: 1. This drinks very 'old world' and 2. The 2016 I've been holding on to is likely ready to go.
1 person found it helpfulAug 24th, 2020
Needs an hour of air then it’s lean and clean. 13.3%. Pear, apple , citrus, some herbs. No wonky oak or butter. Very nice. Would never guess RRV. Pair with wild mushrooms and polenta.
Needs an hour of air then it’s lean and clean. 13.3%. Pear, apple , citrus, some herbs. No wonky oak or butter. Very nice. Would never guess RRV. Pair with wild mushrooms and polenta.
Nov 19th, 2025
Was digging around and discovered this lovely one. Perfect way to start the heatwave filled weekend.
Was digging around and discovered this lovely one. Perfect way to start the heatwave filled weekend.
Aug 14th, 2020
We went to the winery in March and bought a few of these. Love their wine. Made more in the Burgundian style- not as much oak, not buttery.
We went to the winery in March and bought a few of these. Love their wine. Made more in the Burgundian style- not as much oak, not buttery.
May 27th, 2018
A favorite! Very smooth, buttery! $55 at the vineyard, 6/2016.
A favorite! Very smooth, buttery! $55 at the vineyard, 6/2016.
Oct 17th, 2016
This was a great Chard. Tasted very fresh, good acidity and balance. Had a touch of wet stone with toasty brioche.
This was a great Chard. Tasted very fresh, good acidity and balance. Had a touch of wet stone with toasty brioche.
Jan 1st, 2016
Chardonnay is not normally my thing, but in the hands of Gary Farrell, it is a fruity pleasure without all of the heavy oak and buttery coating.
Chardonnay is not normally my thing, but in the hands of Gary Farrell, it is a fruity pleasure without all of the heavy oak and buttery coating.
Nov 12th, 2015Excellent Chardonnay from our trip to Sonoma
Excellent Chardonnay from our trip to Sonoma
Jan 23rd, 2015Wow...lovely Russian River Chardonnay. Let it warm up a bit and taste the layers of complex fruit.
Wow...lovely Russian River Chardonnay. Let it warm up a bit and taste the layers of complex fruit.
Oct 26th, 2014