2021 Rosemary’s Vineyard Chardonnay
Arroyo Grande Valley AVA
Tasting Notes
“Pale yellow hue. Tropical scents of papaya, passionfruit, kiwi and mango leap out of the glass at first impression. With some time, notes of fig, dates, honey, brioche, and peach provide a softer and sweeter tone. These qualities segue seamlessly on the palate along with zesty acidity and liveliness. This Chardonnay ends with a brisk, fresh, and youthful touch. Enjoy now through 2032.”
~Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
May 2023
“A poised and tensioned chardonnay with sliced cooked peaches, light caramel and stone. It’s full and tight with a freshness and brightness yet it delivers lots of flavor and intensity. Drink or hold.”
JamesSuckling.com
June 2023
Production Data
Growers: Talley Family
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Arroyo Grande Valley AVA
Elevation/Exposure: 400 feet; South
Soil: White, rocky fractured sandstone and loam. Some clay subsoil
Vineyard Age: 34 years
Viticulture Practice: Sustainable (SIP Certified)
Vinification: Pressed whole-cluster, fermented in French Oak
Cooperage & Ageing: 16 months in 100% French Oak, 40% New
Production: 10 barrels
Composition: 100% Chardonnay (100% Clone 96)
Acidity: 3.16 pH, 7.63 TA (g/L)
Alcohol: 14.1%
Harvest: October 6, 2021, hand harvested
Club Release: May 2023
Release Price: $55
Drink Now through 2032
Past Vintage Wine Scores
“Aromas of grapefruit peel, wet stone and crushed sage. Medium-bodied with lovely structure and balance. Subtle mineral character helps drive the evolution on the palate, with nuance and grace. Fresh and rounded notes of citrus and herbs turn slightly more savory and nutty. Elegant. Drink or hold.”
James Suckling
JamesSuckling.com
May 2022
“Meyer lemon, sea salt, Asian pear, gardenia and lemongrass aromas make for a very layered and refreshing nose on this bottling. Similarly lovely flavors arise on the sip, from lemongrass and Makrut lime to jicama, lychee and wet stone.”
Matt Kettmann
Wine Enthusiast
November 2021
“This famed vineyard yields an elegant, silky expression very close to the true Burgundian model; smooth, bright and lively with graceful style and a long, tangy finish.”
Anthony Dias Blue
September 2019
“Pale glistening yellow. A highly perfumed fruit basket of a bouquet evokes ripe tangerine, Bosc pear, white peach and honeydew melon, while a smoky mineral nuance keeps things in check. Juicy and expansive in the mouth, offering gently sweet, mineral- and spice-tinged citrus and orchard fruit and vanilla flavors; a refreshingly bitter peach pit nuance builds on the back half. Shows impressive energy and cut on the strikingly persistent, seamless finish, which leaves a sexy floral note behind. I’m really impressed by this finely detailed Chardonnay’s marriage of richness to finesse.”
Josh Raynolds
Antonio Galloni’s Vinous
November 2019
“Silky and smooth, juicy and elegant; lush, deep and bright with tangy acidity; nicely integrated fruit and acidity; from a celebrated vineyard; long and beautifully balanced.”
Anthony Dias Blue
July 2018
The Rosemary’s Vineyard
Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, just six miles to the Southwest and surrounding the home of Talley Vineyards’ co-founder Rosemary Talley, Rosemary’s Vineyard is one of the coolest sites in the Arroyo Grande Valley Appellation. The cool climate and low yields, as well as exceptional soil, lend to the elements that produce this acclaimed fruit. Working closely with the Talley Family, Testarossa owners, Rob and Diana Jensen, and Director of Winemaking Bill Brosseau, have created this very exceptional Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with classic old world flavors.