Talley - Chardonnay Arroyo Grande Valley Rosemary's Vineyard 2019

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Talley Description

Rosemary’s Vineyard has become our most iconic vineyard, and has produced some of the most highly regarded Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in California. In fact it is truly unique as a site that produces two distinct wines of such high quality. Numerous vintages of Rosemary’s Vineyard Pinot Noir have been served at the White House and both Rosemary’s Vineyard Chardonnay and Pinot Noir have achieved scores of 98 points in Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate. The 2002 Rosemary’s Vineyard Chardonnay was judged the best California Chardonnay in the 30th Anniversary Judgment of Paris Tasting in 2006.

Climatically, Rosemary’s Vineyard is the coolest site that we farm, which means that the grapes ripen slowly and maintain the refreshing acidity that is the hallmark of world class Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The soil type, classified as “Lopez Very Shaly Loam” is distinct from the calcareous clays that we farm in the Rincon Vineyard or the sand or sandy clay loam of our vineyards in the Edna Valley. We employ gentle sustainable farming practices and classic old world winemaking to coax all of the potential out of this truly special site.

When I stand at the top of the vineyard and look to the ocean, just 6 1/2 miles to the southwest, I reflect on the blessing I’ve received to make wine from this special place. I do my very best to honor the legacy that began when my father began planting vines here in 1987.

Vinous: 95 Points

Limpid yellow-gold. An expansive, mineral-accented bouquet evokes fresh citrus and orchard fruits, iodine, buttered toast and pungent flowers. Shows impressive depth and sharp definition to vibrant tangerine, Anjou pear, sweet butter and tarragon flavors, which tighten up through the back half. Powerful yet elegant as well, displaying sharp focus and mineral lift on a wonderfully long, chewy finish that features lingering floral and toasty lees notes. - Josh Raynolds

Jeb Dunnuck: 94 Points

The 2019 Chardonnay Rosemary's Vineyard is one of the more racy, vibrant wines in the lineup, and it’s going to need bottle age. Offering up lots of salinity in its citrus, spicy oak, and floral aromatics, it hits the palate with medium-bodied richness, high yet integrated acidity, good mid-palate depth, and outstanding length. Do your best to hide bottles for at least 2-3 years.