Rodney Strong was the first to plant Chardonnay in Sonoma's Chalk Hills in 1965, an area that became its own AVA in 1983. The volcanic, chalky, white ash soils, unique to the area, can be seen in the stream of fine minerality throughout this fuller white. I'd love to see less wood here, so the site and soils really rings. As stands now, barrel ferment (partial new) and wood toast leads the creamy palate, with the yellow apple, pear, nougat and lemon curd finishing this off with a trailing spiciness. Less is more, please.
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