I typically wait for the perfect day to enjoy my Rochioli SVD's and this weekend with the beautiful weather and need for some quality relax time seemed just right!

Opened and decanted right before serving this wine looked rich and opulent before it even hit my lips.Rich deep garnet color in the glass with some light bricking at the edges it had a clear but very deep hue throughout. This wine delivered a lovely nose of black cherries, red and black fruit and an ever so slight floral hint. The first sip provided a silky and supple feel on the palate supporting the nose with flavors of black cherries and mature fruit. THe wine was consumed without any food and I am glad I decided to enjoy this on it's own. If paired with food I would have tried to keep it simple as to not take away from the wine.

Medium acidity, with balanced tannins and body. This was a well balanced wine overall and very enjoyable. For me it was a quintessential Rochioli SVD and is what I have come to expect from this producer.

I think this wine is at it's peak but likely has the stuffing to be held longer if desired.My only issue is that while I am on the waiting list, these and their siblings are hard to come by. I wish I had more!!

We opened these 2 bottles fearing that they might be past their prime. Quick decant and we dove right into it them. This wine is at it's peak and has nowhere to go but downhill from here. Nice nose of mature fruit, some leather and pencil lead. No tannins to speak of but overall a really enjoyable glass of wine.

It paired well with the appetizers as well as some lightly seasoned and grilled filet, corn on the cob, sauteed portobellas. Not being as full bodeied as some Cabernet's this was also enjoyable on it's own.

What was left on the 2nd day was not good at all despite my efforts to preserve it supporting my notion that this wine is about to go south. I would probably never buy this brand now as their quality has dipped and there are better Cabs for the same or less spend but if you have any of theseNapa Cabs around, drink up!

This wine is a great example of California Chardonnay done right. I'm glad I scooped these up when I had an opportunity because at  $30 per, it's hard to find for the money, a better Chard in Napa.

Wonderful straw color with a bouquet that evokes seashells/ocean spray, pear and wet gravel/stones. Medium bodied, this just coats your mouth in gorgeous oily, citrus peel - ending in a lengthy combo of lemon, grapefruit and orange.

Finish lasts forever. Very food friendly and is a fantastic example of the non-malo style if you tend to avoid the heavy oak bombs found in cali Chards today.(more of a chablis style)

I opened this wine expecting a case of infantcide hearing that this would be best consumed from 2009 - 2024 but hell if I am even going to be alive that long! I figured with a case in the cellar, let's kill off one of these and see.........and I was glad I did! I decanted and allowed 30-60 minutes to open up prior to consumption.

Possessing a huge, ripe nose of Grenache fruit, raspberry liqueur, graphite, licorice and spice notes, this wine was stunning. A massively fruited wine that holds everything together with killer balance, structure and an almost elegant, seamless demeanor. If I was a "points" guy, this wine could have flirted with perfection.

It's full bodied wine and probably not for everyone, there's considerable structure and tannins, but they're covered by so much fruit that they're almost hard to find.

 Despite the size of this wine, it's just beautifully balanced, seamless and possesses a blockbuster finish. Knowing what I know now, I wish I had backed up the truck!

Big fan of this entire lineup and most heavily loaded in Chardonnay and Pinot followed by their Syrah.

From this vintage, the first bottle I tried was about six months ago and was very good with nice California fruit and lightly oaked. Dont remember if it was enjoyed with food but remember it being very good, and it reminded me why I was on Dehlinger's list.

Had a second bottle about 3 months ago and thought that it was corked or perhaps in a funky stage. Dumped half down sink.

This weekend I tried a 3rd bottle and the first impression was "corked again"? There was no fruit on nose or palate. It kind of reminded me of an older Burgundy. Kind of chalky and earthy. Pulled out some cheese, apple and light fare and the wine took on a completley different life!

This is in my opinion the most "Burgundian" style of any wine I have tried from California and I love it!! With food it had a hint of tropical fruit, well balanced with a little acidic kick and not much oak detectable. Continued to rock after pasta as the entree served with goat cheeser. This is a wonderful California Chardonnay for not too much money and blows away many Chards priced twice as high.