Dark clear goldenrod. Candied-apple nose with sharp rubber-band tropical breezes in full blossom. Dirty cantaloupe and vanilla mineral spritzer round out the nicely composed bouquet. Definitely rich, definitely Chardonnay, and the rocky green core bares the fruit raw.
In the mouth, more rich charm. Elegant and mouth-filling on entry, it thins up a bit over the middle, showing off the sharpness of its core composure, allowing kiwi, pear and more crisp melon to strut its stuff, moderated by soothing saline. It regains regality easily in the finish, where the viscosity and toasty vanilla ease you into a bone-dry finish.
As big a fan of Sonoma wine as I have been, I am always on the lookout for that little “Coast” word in the AVA. It brings an entirely different set of expectations to the table and regularly fulfills them. This one does that in spades.
2016 ROALD WINE CO. Chardonnay Sonoma Coast 13.5
Stephen McConnell 