The regions where the cultivation was expanding the Chardonnays in the last 10 to 20 years, lie in the warm-dry climate zone from which the grape is likely. Their distinctive acid is not under these climatic conditions reduced as much as with other white grape varieties, so that the alcohol-acid balance in a warm, dry growing regions to produce a relatively lively and fruity wine or a full-bodied, soft enough, but not gangrenous acting white wine permits. The Chardonnay grape is therefore ideal for warm-dry wine growing regions in the world, which is why every year thousands more hectares are planted with this variety.
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The white grape variety is one of the very big world, the noble Cepages.
According to literature, it comes from the mountains of Lebanon and to have been brought to France by the Crusaders. The Roman Catholic order of Benedictines and Cistercians provided thereafter for distribution in Europe. In Lebanon, the vine under the original name Obaideh is already cultivated a very long time. The term “Chardonnay” is from a later period and probably in the same place from a Burgundy.

The spread of the Rhone valley to the north was in Burgundy and in Champagne Chablisgebiet and where it is the white grape variety among the three approved types of champagne. In California there are more now than in France itself Chardonnayreben A worldwide success of the past within the two decades has been built.
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The response to our 2000 Chardonnays has been incredible. After receiving multiple 90+ scores from the Wine Spectator, Wine & Spirits magazine and the California Grapevine for our Russian River Valley and Westside Farms Chardonnay releases, we now proudly offer one of our most coveted and highly anticipated release of the year … our 2000 Rochioli Vineyard Chardonnay. Clearly, the quality and reputation of the Rochioli Vineyard has been well documented, and those who have experienced wines produced from this vineyard need little convincing. They simply grow some of the finest fruit in the Russian River Valley, and that quality shows in the wines bearing their designation.
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After eight years of planning and development, Starr Ridge Vineyards has been producing tremendous fruit and will be the source of our first “estate bottled” Chardonnay. We are very excited and proud of this accomplishment, but even more excited about the quality of wine produced from these low-yielding clones planted on a west-facing slope in the hills along the Russian River.
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What used to be the office of Raymond Burr Vineyards, on Westside Road, just northeast of Healdsburg (CA) is now a cozy tasting room. Not much has changed. The office machines are gone, as are the journals and volumes about orchids – another of Raymond Burr’s passions. There is, however, always a potted orchid in full bloom – one of Burr’s hybrids – displayed on a small walnut table. The shelves now hold winery artifacts and the counter that divides the room serves as a bar where the current vintages of Raymond Burr wines are poured for the fortunate visitor. If proprietor Robert Benevides is on hand, the guest may even be invited to sample some of the older vintages from the winery’s library.
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Your ordinary winery does not have its own cattle brand, nor a herd of Black Angus roaming the hillsides above the vineyards, but then, Kirkland Ranch Winery is not your ordinary winery. When the Kirkland brothers, Larry and Lonnie, purchased the 2000-acre spread that was part of General Mariano Vallejo’s original Rancho Soscol land grant in 1978 the primary crop on their Rocking LK Ranch was cattle. Grapes joined the mix in 1985 at the suggestion of Larry’s daughter, Chris, and additional vines were planted until, today, there are 138 acres of vineyard containing Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Syrah, Sangiovese, and Nebbiolo.
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Plan on a pleasant stroll when you visit historic Buena Vista Winery. The parking lot is outside the entrance gates and a paved concourse curves under the trees beside the creek to the central courtyard. Here you will find an ornate fountain and a chain of historical broadsides describing the viticultural history of the flamboyant Count Agostin Haraszthy, hailed as the father of the commercial wine industry.

The two stone buildings date back to the days of Count Haraszthy, and the Press House – where finishing and aging of the wines took place more than 100 years ago – now holds one of the most interesting tasting rooms in the area. On the mezzanine is a well-lighted art gallery where a local artist is in-residence the first weekend of every month.

Sharing the mezzanine level with the art display is a comfortable tasting area, where older vintages may be sampled in flights of three wines. The fees for the flights range from $7.00 to $10.00. Current vintages are open for tasting at the hospitable long-bar on the main floor. Several of the wines listed on the tasting sheet are sold exclusively through the tasting room. Among these are the Carneros Estate Chardonnay, the Carneros Estate Pinot Noir, Carneros Estate Cabernet Sauvignon and the “World Famous” Cream Sherry. You can check on all the news, new releases and even consider membership in the Count’s Wine Club by clicking onto www.buenavistawinery.com.

A highly diverse and mouth-watering selection of foodstuffs is always featured in the tasting room, and each weekend, samples are set out for visitors to try before they buy. Hours at the tasting room are 10 am to 5 pm daily, at 18000 Old Winery Rd., Sonoma. For information, to place an order, or enquire about renting the facilities call 800-325-2764.

Recently memories of the game of Jan Ken Pon that we played when I was in grammar school were brought to the surface by, of all things, the opening of a grand, new winery on Westside Road. It is called Roshambo, which is another name for our old paper, rock and scissors game. Roshambo Winery, at 3000 Westside Road, Healdsburg, is a family affair, owned and operated by Naomi Brilliant, granddaughter of the late Frank Johnson whose Dry Creek Valley vineyards provide the excellent fruit for most of the Roshambo wines.
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Rutherford Vista Vineyard

Made from hand-selected premium grapes from our Rutherford vineyard, this 100% Napa Valley Chardonnay is noted for its complex aromas, featuring hints of apple and citrus. Barrel fermented and aged ten months in French oak, this unique wine offers toasty oak and full fruit flavors.
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Chardonnay, Chablis, Bourgogne or Montrachet. Whatever you call it, they refer to the same wine but then again, maybe not. One thing’s for sure, Chardonnay is the undisputed King of white wine, the most noble white grape in the world. To some, Chardonnay taste of butter and hazelnut but to others, it taste of tropical fruits. The difference can be attribute to the region where the grape is grown as well as the method of making the wine.
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