The 2022 Rombauer Chardonnay from Napa's Carneros sub-appellation is a notable entry from the Rombauer winery, renowned for its white wines. This Chardonnay, boasting a 14.5% alcohol content and sealed with a traditional cork, has garnered impressive reviews from multiple respected publications.
Decanter awarded this wine a score of 92, highlighting its refined and expressive nature. Contrary to the "over-the-top richness" that some may expect, this wine presents "candied ginger and lemon peel aromatics with elegant baking spices," as noted by the reviewer. Decanter also recommends pairing this wine with a classic roast chicken to fully appreciate its youthful exuberance and refreshing acidity.
Another 92-point review comes from The Wine Independent, which emphasizes the wine's vibrant aromas of nutmeg, fresh ginger, Golden Delicious apples, and juicy pears. Bottled in July 2023, this medium to full-bodied Chardonnay offers a "racy backbone" balanced by a "silky texture" and an array of spicy apple and pear flavors, finishing with notable length.
Wine Enthusiast’s Jim Gordon also rates the wine at 92 points, describing it as full-bodied and heavily oaked. According to Gordon, this wine is a bold choice with "butter, oak and vanilla flavors" that provide a dessert-like quality, honeyed on the palate and lingering sweetly on the finish. He suggests it as a big win for fans of this style.
Wine Spectator gives the 2022 Rombauer Chardonnay a 91-point score, noting its supple and juicy profile. The wine opens with flavors of toasted brioche, graham cracker, and creamy vanilla nougat that complement a core of peach, melon, candied orange peel, and apricot preserves. Accents of clove and toasted cardamom add complexity, making it suitable for immediate enjoyment. The publication also mentions that 261,000 cases were produced, indicating its wide availability.
Overall, the 2022 Rombauer Chardonnay is a versatile and well-received wine, appealing to those who appreciate both its youthful acidity and its potential for developing richer characteristics over time.