Rodney Strong California Chardonnay — Sonoma County 2024
Rodney Strong has been one of Sonoma County's most trusted names for over six decades, and their California Chardonnay is the house's benchmark for accessible, well-crafted white wine done right. The 2024 vintage was barrel-fermented at 60% and aged on lees for seven months — a technique that adds creaminess, spice, and vanill...Show More >
Rodney Strong California Chardonnay — Sonoma County 2024
Rodney Strong has been one of Sonoma County's most trusted names for over six decades, and their California Chardonnay is the house's benchmark for accessible, well-crafted white wine done right. The 2024 vintage was barrel-fermented at 60% and aged on lees for seven months — a technique that adds creaminess, spice, and vanilla complexity — while the remaining 40% was cold-fermented in tank to preserve the wine's bright tropical and citrus character. The result is a Chardonnay that punches well above its price point, earning 90 points from Wine Enthusiast and 88 points from Wine Spectator.
The nose opens with Gala apple, Meyer lemon peel, citrus blossom, lemon curd, and fresh herb, with hints of toasty oak and baking spice. On the palate, the wine is juicy and medium-bodied with concentrated flavors of nectarine, tangerine, pear, pineapple, and lemon curd, framed by a creamy mouthfeel, fresh sleek acidity, and a long, lingering finish of fresh pear, ginger, and vanilla. It is the kind of Chardonnay that overdelivers at every pour.
Wine Enthusiast 90 — "Lovely aromas of fresh Gala apple, Meyer lemon peel, citrus blossom, and fresh herb. The palate delivers concentrated flavors of fresh nectarine, sage, white flowers, and salty lemon at the finish." — Tom R. Capo. (Vintage 2024).
Wine Spectator 88 — "A juicy style, with notes of tangerine and lemon curd, plus a hint of lime sorbet. Fresh, sleek acidity leaves a lasting impression." — MaryAnn Worobiec. (Vintage 2024).
-
Producer: Rodney Strong Vineyards, Sonoma County, California
-
Vintage: 2024
-
Appellation: California
-
Region: Sonoma County, California
-
Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
-
Vinification: 60% barrel-fermented, 7 months lees aging; 40% cold tank-fermented
-
Closure: Screwcap
-
Size: 750ml
-
Tasting Notes: Gala apple, Meyer lemon, nectarine, tangerine, pear, pineapple, lemon curd, toasty oak, vanilla, creamy finish
-
Best Paired With: Grilled asparagus, seared tuna with mango-avocado salsa, apple and brie grilled cheese, roast chicken
A 90-point California Chardonnay at an honest price — Rodney Strong's flagship white is the benchmark for what Sonoma-crafted, lees-aged Chardonnay can deliver under $15.
< Show Less
