2017 Rodney Strong Chalk Hill Chardonnay
Winemaker Notes
Barrel fermentation in new and seasoned French oak added toasty vanilla and spice complexities. During the twelve months of barrel aging, we regularly stirred the “lees” in barrel, which imparts an elegant fullness and creamy texture on the palate. In the glass, the wine is both creamy and crisp, with flavors of golden pear, vanilla, Meyer lemon and a hint of minerality on the long finish.
Enjoy over the next one to three years with soft cheeses, fresh crab or roasted pork loin.
Wine Spectator 90 Points
About Rodney Strong Vineyards
Founded by wine industry pioneer, Rod Strong, in 1959, Rodney Strong Vineyards is now owned by the Kleins, a farming-based family that prides itself on land stewardship and a relentless push for superior wine quality from Sonoma County. After purchasing the company in 1989, Tom Klein began the endeavor that today brings together excellent vineyards, the industry’s finest winemaking equipment, and exceptional talent. The winery farms and sources grapes from vineyards throughout Sonoma County, focusing on Alexander Valley, Russian River Valley and Chalk Hill. Rodney Strong Vineyards is best known for its estate-bottled and vineyard-designated wines, and is also recognized for their sustainable and Fish Friendly Farming, dedication to solar energy production and becoming carbon neutral in 2009.
About Rodney Strong
We’ve been growing Merlot since the early 1970s, when Rod Strong first planted it in the heart of Alexander Valley. Today we continue to farm Merlot in three vineyards in Alexander Valley, where it grows into grapes that display the deep dark fruit flavors and mature tannins that make wines from this growing region so sought after.
Our story begins over 60 years ago, when a celebrated American dancer named Rod Strong settled in Sonoma County to pursue a second lifelong creative passion: winemaking. Rodney Strong Vineyards was the 13th winery bonded in the newly discovered Sonoma County wine industry. A trio of winemaking paths crossed when Rick Sayre joined the team as Winemaker in 1979, and again when the Klein Family, 4th generation California farmers, purchased the winery in 1989 and initiated a renewed commitment of modern artisan winemaking. Through the years, Rodney Strong Vineyards has earned the reputation for critically acclaimed Single Vineyard and Reserve wines, stand out Estate releases and best-in-class Sonoma County varietal wines.
Certified Sustainable Winery
Rodney Strong Vineyards and Winery have been assessed and verified under the Sustainable Winegrowing Practices workbook. This statewide certification program provides third party verification of a winery’s commitment to continuous improvement in the adoption and implementation of sustainable winegrowing practices. In 2004, we received our top achievement in the area of sustainability with the Sustainable Winegrowing Green Medal Leadership Award, which is the highest sustainable certification possible.
Carbon Neutral
Rodney Strong Vineyards was the first winery in Sonoma County to offset our carbon footprint. By reducing our carbon footprint and carefully purchasing carbon credits, we have lowered our winery and vineyards’ carbon impact to zero.
Water Conservation
We employ drip irrigation and practice regular deficit irrigation to lessen water usage in conjunction with Tule’s Evapotranspiration (ET) sensor, an advanced metering device that closely monitors water levels in soils and vines. We also take important steps to prevent erosion to keep silt and fertilizers out of the local watershed.
Soil Conservation
We conserve soil in two ways, by practicing runoff management and erosion control. We compost grape pumice to support the return of soil to organic matter. We utilize natural cover crops, such as peas and oats, which help avoid erosion during the long and potentially wet winter months.
Solar Energy
In 2004, Rodney Strong was awarded the Green Power Leadership award from the Environmental Protection Agency. Our winery boasts one of the largest solar arrays in the world. At just over 1.5 Megawatts, this system supplies 49% of our overall electricity.
Wildlife Protection
By leaving sensitive areas undeveloped, we have minimized adverse effects to threatened or endangered plant and wildlife species. In addition, since 2009, all vineyards have been certified by the Fish Friendly Farming Program.
Winemaker Notes
Barrel fermentation in new and seasoned French oak added toasty vanilla and spice complexities. During the twelve months of barrel aging, we regularly stirred the “lees” in barrel, which imparts an elegant fullness and creamy texture on the palate. In the glass, the wine is both creamy and crisp, with flavors of golden pear, vanilla, Meyer lemon and a hint of minerality on the long finish.
Enjoy over the next one to three years with soft cheeses, fresh crab or roasted pork loin.
Wine Spectator 90 Points
About Rodney Strong Vineyards
Founded by wine industry pioneer, Rod Strong, in 1959, Rodney Strong Vineyards is now owned by the Kleins, a farming-based family that prides itself on land stewardship and a relentless push for superior wine quality from Sonoma County. After purchasing the company in 1989, Tom Klein began the endeavor that today brings together excellent vineyards, the industry’s finest winemaking equipment, and exceptional talent. The winery farms and sources grapes from vineyards throughout Sonoma County, focusing on Alexander Valley, Russian River Valley and Chalk Hill. Rodney Strong Vineyards is best known for its estate-bottled and vineyard-designated wines, and is also recognized for their sustainable and Fish Friendly Farming, dedication to solar energy production and becoming carbon neutral in 2009.
About Rodney Strong
We’ve been growing Merlot since the early 1970s, when Rod Strong first planted it in the heart of Alexander Valley. Today we continue to farm Merlot in three vineyards in Alexander Valley, where it grows into grapes that display the deep dark fruit flavors and mature tannins that make wines from this growing region so sought after.
Our story begins over 60 years ago, when a celebrated American dancer named Rod Strong settled in Sonoma County to pursue a second lifelong creative passion: winemaking. Rodney Strong Vineyards was the 13th winery bonded in the newly discovered Sonoma County wine industry. A trio of winemaking paths crossed when Rick Sayre joined the team as Winemaker in 1979, and again when the Klein Family, 4th generation California farmers, purchased the winery in 1989 and initiated a renewed commitment of modern artisan winemaking. Through the years, Rodney Strong Vineyards has earned the reputation for critically acclaimed Single Vineyard and Reserve wines, stand out Estate releases and best-in-class Sonoma County varietal wines.
Certified Sustainable Winery
Rodney Strong Vineyards and Winery have been assessed and verified under the Sustainable Winegrowing Practices workbook. This statewide certification program provides third party verification of a winery’s commitment to continuous improvement in the adoption and implementation of sustainable winegrowing practices. In 2004, we received our top achievement in the area of sustainability with the Sustainable Winegrowing Green Medal Leadership Award, which is the highest sustainable certification possible.
Carbon Neutral
Rodney Strong Vineyards was the first winery in Sonoma County to offset our carbon footprint. By reducing our carbon footprint and carefully purchasing carbon credits, we have lowered our winery and vineyards’ carbon impact to zero.
Water Conservation
We employ drip irrigation and practice regular deficit irrigation to lessen water usage in conjunction with Tule’s Evapotranspiration (ET) sensor, an advanced metering device that closely monitors water levels in soils and vines. We also take important steps to prevent erosion to keep silt and fertilizers out of the local watershed.
Soil Conservation
We conserve soil in two ways, by practicing runoff management and erosion control. We compost grape pumice to support the return of soil to organic matter. We utilize natural cover crops, such as peas and oats, which help avoid erosion during the long and potentially wet winter months.