We’re not delusional, so with the 100% confidence that a Rochioli Vineyard Chardonnay under $30 would SELL OUT FAST we already had a second one loaded up…

This one is technically made up of the two sides of the same vineyard separated by West Side Road, and hence the plural in the name, farmed by the Rochiolis, owned by their neighbor, the Allens. Spare a tad more warmth and ripeness in the glass, it’s from near identical terroir, of equal pedigree.

Remember what Wine Spectator said, “Working with a wine brand that has a loyal following like Gary Farrell has its advantages, admits winemaker Theresa Heredia… but maintaining relevance and innovation while preserving more than 40 years of heritage and identity is a balancing act.”

We adore our “firsts” here on Wine Spies. No, not Gary Farrell, though all we could source from them to date was a pallet a decade ago. We’re not shortsighted. So when the 100% confidence meter went off after seeing a Rochioli Vineyard Chardonnay under $30, we prepared backups. Knowing it would SELL OUT FAST we already had a second one loaded up…and there’s less of this one, and just like the first, we are pretty, pretty, PRETTY sure it will follow the sold out suit as well.

This one is technically made up of the two sides of the same vineyard separated by West Side Road, and hence the plural in the name, farmed by the Rochiolis, owned by their neighbor, the Allens. Spare a tad more warmth and ripeness in the glass, it’s from near identical terroir, of equal pedigree,

Remember what Wine Spectator said, “Working with a wine brand that has a loyal following like Gary Farrell has its advantages, admits winemaker Theresa Heredia… but maintaining relevance and innovation while preserving more than 40 years of heritage and identity is a balancing act.”

We adore our “firsts” here on Wine Spies. No, not Gary Farrell, though all we could source from them to date was a pallet a decade ago.

These are our first ROCHIOLI vineyard features.

A Wine Spectator spotlight just last month claims that “four generations in, the Rochioli family has earned its spot among Sonoma’s wine legends.”

Which explains why, besides the family’s own, only FIVE other wineries get fruit from them to bottle single-vineyard wines bearing this vaunted name. Williams Selyem and Ramey to name a few. The latter being the only other winery that gets Chardonnay fruit from Rochioli. You basically won’t find a wine out there with that name on it under $75.

Did you see our price? This must be a dream.

What a legacy duo. Feels like A New Hope, casting the late and great Alec Guinness to play the immortal Obi-Wan Kenobi. Got that, Star Wars fans? While George Lucas and Alec Guinness were in Tunisia and Guatemala filming that classic in 1976, winemaker Gary Ferrell and grower Joe Rochioli Jr. shook hands to collaborate for the first time. It’s that bond we owe this wine to today, because it’s nearly impossible for anyone to get their hands on Rochioli fruit these days.

Decanter explains, “Before the Russian River Valley was officially recognized as one of Sonoma County’s distinguished AVAs, Gary Farrell was pioneering in partnership with some of the region’s most esteemed growers: Rochioli, Allen, and others. It is these long-term vineyard relationships that have built the sturdy foundation for Gary Farrell’s celebrated portfolio… Extensive grower relationships remain mission-critical to producing the consistent, balanced, elegant wines that consumers have come to expect and adore. Maintaining outstanding relationships with growers is a top priority for the Gary Farrell team, and as proof of loyal partnership, the name of each grower appears front and center on all single-vineyard labels in complete collaboration with the winery name - a testimony to the teamwork, dedication, and shared contributions of both players. Steering the winemaking team, Theresa Heredia joined Gary Farrell as head winemaker in 2012 and has since been championing Farrell’s initial vision of experimenting and showcasing specific vineyard site expression and winemaking techniques that give voice to diverse terroir-driven character.”

Secure all of this beauty you can afford, then catch the rest of that intricate and extraordinary story here.

Again, just 93 points Wine Enthusiast? Seriouslly?! Take our word and put these up any great California Chardonnay, or dare I say even great white Burgundy against it for fun, you’ll be amazed.

At a mere $29, this too is very limited, and no other surprises sadly when it also sells out.

93 Points – Wine Enthusiast “Handsome oak spices top this full-bodied and well-balanced wine. A touch of wood smoke and earthy, toasted almond accents weave through nicely ripe pears and apples. The wine shows great layering and complexity, with a lingering finish.”

These are our first ROCHIOLI vineyard features.

A Wine Spectator spotlight just last month claims that “four generations in, the Rochioli family has earned its spot among Sonoma’s wine legends.”

Which explains why, besides the family’s own, only FIVE other wineries get fruit from them to bottle single-vineyard wines bearing this vaunted name. Williams Selyem and Ramey to name a few. The latter being the only other winery that gets Chardonnay fruit from Rochioli. You basically won’t find a wine out there with that name on it under $75.

Did you see our price? This must be a dream.

What a legacy duo. Feels like A New Hope, casting the late and great Alec Guinness to play the immortal Obi-Wan Kenobi. Got that, Star Wars fans? While George Lucas and Alec Guinness were in Tunisia and Guatemala filming that classic in 1976, winemaker Gary Ferrell and grower Joe Rochioli Jr. shook hands to collaborate for the first time. It’s that bond we owe this wine to today, because it’s nearly impossible for anyone to get their hands on Rochioli fruit these days.

Decanter explains, “Before the Russian River Valley was officially recognized as one of Sonoma County’s distinguished AVAs, Gary Farrell was pioneering in partnership with some of the region’s most esteemed growers: Rochioli, Allen, and others. It is these long-term vineyard relationships that have built the sturdy foundation for Gary Farrell’s celebrated portfolio… Extensive grower relationships remain mission-critical to producing the consistent, balanced, elegant wines that consumers have come to expect and adore. Maintaining outstanding relationships with growers is a top priority for the Gary Farrell team, and as proof of loyal partnership, the name of each grower appears front and center on all single-vineyard labels in complete collaboration with the winery name - a testimony to the teamwork, dedication, and shared contributions of both players. Steering the winemaking team, Theresa Heredia joined Gary Farrell as head winemaker in 2012 and has since been championing Farrell’s initial vision of experimenting and showcasing specific vineyard site expression and winemaking techniques that give voice to diverse terroir-driven character.”

Secure all of this beauty you can afford, then catch the rest of that intricate and extraordinary story here.

Again, just 93 points Wine Enthusiast? Seriouslly?! Take our word and put these up any great California Chardonnay, or dare I say even great white Burgundy against it for fun, you’ll be amazed.

At a mere $29, this too is very limited, and no other surprises sadly when it also sells out.

93 Points – Wine Enthusiast “Handsome oak spices top this full-bodied and well-balanced wine. A touch of wood smoke and earthy, toasted almond accents weave through nicely ripe pears and apples. The wine shows great layering and complexity, with a lingering finish.”