Rombauer Carneros Chardonnay, 2022

Bart here. It was a late afternoon on Sunday in late June, our 40th wedding anniversary!  We had plans to go out to dinner that evening with the Family, but that was still 90 minutes away. It was warm on the deck, begging for a chilled white wine.  It was a special occasion, so we needed something fresh, clean, and rich—traits not commonly found in the same white wine. A trip to peruse the wine cellar was needed. Then there it was … a 2022 Rombauer Chardonnay!

This screams classic Napa Valley Chardonnay (but without the overly oaky buttery characteristics cheaper ones are known for).  

Rombauer is fruity and ripe with mild vanilla notes followed by a very creamy midpalate and silky-smooth finish. The fruity character includes peach, nectarine, and ripe melon. The softer, oak-based vanilla notes create the rich, baked pie crust quality this wine is known for.  This chardonnay retains very bright acidity, bringing this whole package together. The acidity tempers the Napa Valley, overly buttery quality commonly associated with this region.

While chardonnay should probably be chilled to 50-55 degrees before serving, the slightly warmer afternoon helped accentuate the beautiful, creamy texture. While a great food wine with things like chicken, pork chops, and smothered dishes, it was a very nice, romantic interlude in our beautifully busy day.  Seek this one out!

This wine sells for $38 at Jacob Liquor.