About this winery

Rodney Strong Vineyards is dedicated to Sonoma County. The winery was established in 1959 by Rod Strong, one of the first pioneers of the modern wine industry in California, as the 13th bonded winery in Sonoma County. Rick Sayre, current Director of Winemaking, joined in 1979. Since 1989, the winery has been privately owned by the Klein family, a fourth generation California agricultural family. Rodney Strong Vineyards grow and produce wines exclusively from four of Sonoma County's finest...

See the Rodney Strong Vineyards detail page for more information on this brand

Product notes

In 1965, our founder, Rod Strong, was the first to plant Chardonnay in what would later be recognized as the Chalk Hill American Viticultural Area (AVA), established officially in 1983. He recognized the region as distinct from the rest of Russian River Valley for its unique volcanically derived, chalky white ash soils, which impart a subtle mineral character to wines grown there.

Production notes

2020 was another fantastic vintage in California. In Sonoma County, it started with a copious amount of rain saturating the soil in late winter and early spring. Early summer heat waves acclimated the vines to warmer weather, which allowed the grapes to withstand a later heat spell in August, moving the sugars higher and allowing flavors to ripen

Tasting notes

Lemon pie and custard aromas mix with exotic quince and layers of creamy oak in our 2020 Chalk Hill Chardonnay. Bright green apple and a citrusy lemon kick balance out the smooth oak tones. The creamy mouthfeel leads to a bright finish of grapefruit zest and hints of tart apple. Enjoy this now with soft cheeses or simply with good company.