2016 Delgado Chardonnay, Rodger’s Creek Vineyard, Sonoma County
91 Points - Wine Enthusiast
Tasting Notes
Ripe and lush with concentrated melon and white peach. Tropical and citrus flavors blend into a rich and supple core. The finish is persistent and shows an enticing minerality.
Aroma: tropical, butterscotch, slight hazelnut, fresh apple/pear, minerality around the edges, cantaloupe, white peach, lemon meringue
Palate: elegant, understated power, mineral, viscous, rich, creamy, fat, lush, slight honey
Finish: persistent, long, polished
Food Pairings: Great alone or perfect with grilled salmon.
Winemaking
Traditional Burgundian style winemaking.
100% French Oak at 40% new oak.
Aged 14 months in barrel.
Specs
Vintage: 2016
Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Appellation: Rodgers Creek Vineyard, Sonoma County
Alcohol: 14.8%,
Total Acidity: 6.6g/L
pH: 3.66
What’s Included
4-bottles:
4x 2016 Delgado Chardonnay, Rodger’s Creek Vineyard, Sonoma County Case:
12x 2016 Delgado Chardonnay, Rodger’s Creek Vineyard, Sonoma County
As a small, privately owned, and operated vineyard, we put the highest level of care and personal attention into our winemaking, perfecting the flavors of our Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines year after year.
In fact, our 2014 chardonnay and Pinot Noir received Double Gold Medals in the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, the largest competition of American wines in the world.
We began making wine in the early 1990’s when we released our first wine. Our first effort was a partnership that produced a merlot named “Keon”. We helped pick the grapes and hand-delivered them to the crush facility. It began our love affair with the wine industry.
Miguel and Becky decided when the time was right, we would buy our own vineyard and produce our own brand. Finally, in 2006, the right property came on the market, and suddenly our dream became a reality. We purchased a 23-acre parcel in Sonoma, with sweeping views of the surrounding vineyards. It was planted with chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. We loved walking the rows of grapes, especially in the late summer as the evening winds would kick up. Our first vintage from the property was in 2010. And, every year since we have been producing high-quality single vineyard chardonnays and pinot noirs.
We take great care to work with the most talented wine professionals to produce uniquely delicious wines that can be paired with food or simply enjoyed by the glass with friends. We are proud to put our name on every bottle.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
I know reviews pending, so all ask the question anyway to the winemaker. How is this 2016 holding out? Looks intriguing for a case. Thank you and cheers.
The 2016 is holding up very well. The age in the bottle has brought out much balance and complexity. It has malolactic fermentation but not overly buttery, it is well balanced with minerality and acidity.
@migueldelgado thank you. I appreciate your critique as to where things are from an aging perspective at this point for your 2016 Chardonnay. Thanks again.
Lab Rat Report on the 2016 Delgado Chardonnay - Rodgers Creek Vineyard
It was an overcast day, so the color in the bottle did not really come through; it was a dark amber. The cork is all natural / single piece.
In the glass it is a much lighter honey/ochre shade.
The nose is unmistakably characteristic of chardonnay with hints of oak, butter, honey, and apple.
Speaking of honey, that is the predominant taste; a dry syrupy and very smooth flavor with some underlying complexity I can’t quite put my finger on; fairly dry but with the suggestion of something sweet that leaves a lasting impression. I couldn’t stop at one glass, so this seems like a winner.
It has a very long finish, and is definitely on the dryer side for chardonnay as I find myself reaching for a sip of water while drinking.
The more I drink it the more the honey flavor comes through, and I’m starting to pick out something else like maybe orange flower or citrus.I think this must be the apple from the nose.
It seems to be at the peak of its drinking window now, I don’t think I would cellar this for very long. At this price point I am tempted.
@klezman The buttery quality was relatively subdued and not as heavy as I am used to with malolactic, but it is possible that is where that comes from. That was more on the nose than on the palate.
Overripe could explain the honey quality, and I do think it is near the end of the peak of drinkability window, but I found it to be quite enjoyable.
The only thing that makes me hesitate would be that I’m not sure I could get through a case in time; if I end up getting some today it’ll be the 4-pack.
@klezman@nklb answering as another rat here: I don’t want to steal the question, rather just add my experience - especially having only one day to buy. Acidity is definitely there, even though it is smoothed out by the oak (to me, toffee) and the flint (so, some minerality). It doesn’t jump on your throat, the acidity, but you can tell it is there.
So, I know Friday is generally a short buying day, so here’s the notes on my rats. Will develop and send pics in tomorrow morning.
Delgado Chardonnay - 2016
Open & pour
On the nose there is apricot, pear, lychee, caramel, lemon peel, a hint of mint
Deep yellow: you can tell this wine has aged, and also it has been oaked.
Mouth: toffee, tropical fruit (mango?), spice (nutmeg in particular), some slate & flint; lemon zest
Old: to be drunk soon. Don’t wait to open these bottles. They’re good to go, and at peak.
After one hour:
Nose: tropical fruit (mango), lychee, apricot, meyer pear, lemon peel, hint of butter
Mouth: oak-→ toffee, nutmeg, mango, lemon peel, toasted almond, still slate and flint.
Persistent finish → reminds of French chardonnays; powerful and withstanding meat with no problem. Would pair with strong fish (lobster, mackrel, blue fish, sockeye salmon), but would avoid for lighter fish (sole, trout, etc).
As I mentioned above (sorry I can not longer edit the review!) this Chard is powerful and would work well with heavier dishes - a hearty pasta, any pork dish, probably even a lamb dish (Indian food anybody!?)
It has body and finish that would complement well the food. Not sure this is a party wine - unless it is a dinner party. By itself it lingers in your mouth and develops some characteristics that are not particularly pleasant, like the oak and age of the wine really comes forward when the wine is drunk by itself.
Is it worth the price?
If you are looking for a full body white for the Fall, that you will finish by Christmas, go for this. It is not as cheap as Casemates has accustomed us, but I guess inflation is a thing, and this wine is a good value for the price.
I hope this helps!
Ask away questions, if you have any!
Sultry and soft, this white offers a juiciness of pear, anise and salty oak, made in a rich, layered style that nonetheless has complex structure and weight. It finishes with a touch of heat and undeniable power. VB 12/1/19
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations).
2016 Delgado Chardonnay - $40 = 20.51%
2016 Delgado Chardonnay, Rodger’s Creek Vineyard, Sonoma County
91 Points - Wine Enthusiast
Tasting Notes
Winemaking
Specs
What’s Included
4-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
$420/Case for 12x 2016 Delgado Chardonnay, Rodger’s Creek Vineyard, Sonoma County at Delgado Family Vineyards
About The Winery
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Friday, Oct 6 - Monday, Oct 9
2016 Delgado Family Vineyards Chardonnay
4 bottles for $64.99 $16.25/bottle + $2/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $154.99 $12.92/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
I know reviews pending, so all ask the question anyway to the winemaker. How is this 2016 holding out? Looks intriguing for a case. Thank you and cheers.
@Leatherchair I’m not the winemaker, just a rat, but I would say this is at the peak of the drinking window now; I would not cellar this for long
@nklb thanks very much for the reply/opinion. Appreciate it.
@Leatherchair
The 2016 is holding up very well. The age in the bottle has brought out much balance and complexity. It has malolactic fermentation but not overly buttery, it is well balanced with minerality and acidity.
@migueldelgado thank you. I appreciate your critique as to where things are from an aging perspective at this point for your 2016 Chardonnay. Thanks again.
@Leatherchair @nklb rat here as well. I second the opinion that it holds, but needs to be drunk soon
@nklb @salpo I appreciate your opinion/review a lot. Thank you.
Lab Rat Report on the 2016 Delgado Chardonnay - Rodgers Creek Vineyard
It was an overcast day, so the color in the bottle did not really come through; it was a dark amber. The cork is all natural / single piece.
In the glass it is a much lighter honey/ochre shade.
The nose is unmistakably characteristic of chardonnay with hints of oak, butter, honey, and apple.
Speaking of honey, that is the predominant taste; a dry syrupy and very smooth flavor with some underlying complexity I can’t quite put my finger on; fairly dry but with the suggestion of something sweet that leaves a lasting impression. I couldn’t stop at one glass, so this seems like a winner.
It has a very long finish, and is definitely on the dryer side for chardonnay as I find myself reaching for a sip of water while drinking.
The more I drink it the more the honey flavor comes through, and I’m starting to pick out something else like maybe orange flower or citrus.I think this must be the apple from the nose.
It seems to be at the peak of its drinking window now, I don’t think I would cellar this for very long. At this price point I am tempted.
@nklb sounds less like varietal chardonnay characteristics than oak and ML (buttery) characteristics along with potentially being overripe (honey)?
@klezman The buttery quality was relatively subdued and not as heavy as I am used to with malolactic, but it is possible that is where that comes from. That was more on the nose than on the palate.
Overripe could explain the honey quality, and I do think it is near the end of the peak of drinkability window, but I found it to be quite enjoyable.
The only thing that makes me hesitate would be that I’m not sure I could get through a case in time; if I end up getting some today it’ll be the 4-pack.
@nklb how’s the acidity?
@klezman @nklb answering as another rat here: I don’t want to steal the question, rather just add my experience - especially having only one day to buy. Acidity is definitely there, even though it is smoothed out by the oak (to me, toffee) and the flint (so, some minerality). It doesn’t jump on your throat, the acidity, but you can tell it is there.
@klezman @nklb
The acidity is surely present, but very balanced.
@klezman @migueldelgado I’m inclined to agree with the others; the acidity did not particularly stand out to me and seemed well balanced
So does the winery own the Rodgers Creek Vineyard or do they buy those grapes?
@klezman
Miguel Delgado
We just buy the grapes.
So, I know Friday is generally a short buying day, so here’s the notes on my rats. Will develop and send pics in tomorrow morning.
Delgado Chardonnay - 2016
Open & pour
On the nose there is apricot, pear, lychee, caramel, lemon peel, a hint of mint
Deep yellow: you can tell this wine has aged, and also it has been oaked.
Mouth: toffee, tropical fruit (mango?), spice (nutmeg in particular), some slate & flint; lemon zest
Old: to be drunk soon. Don’t wait to open these bottles. They’re good to go, and at peak.
After one hour:
Nose: tropical fruit (mango), lychee, apricot, meyer pear, lemon peel, hint of butter
Mouth: oak-→ toffee, nutmeg, mango, lemon peel, toasted almond, still slate and flint.
Persistent finish → reminds of French chardonnays; powerful and withstanding meat with no problem. Would pair with strong fish (lobster, mackrel, blue fish, sockeye salmon), but would avoid for lighter fish (sole, trout, etc).
Here some pics:
As I mentioned above (sorry I can not longer edit the review!) this Chard is powerful and would work well with heavier dishes - a hearty pasta, any pork dish, probably even a lamb dish (Indian food anybody!?)
It has body and finish that would complement well the food. Not sure this is a party wine - unless it is a dinner party. By itself it lingers in your mouth and develops some characteristics that are not particularly pleasant, like the oak and age of the wine really comes forward when the wine is drunk by itself.
Is it worth the price?
If you are looking for a full body white for the Fall, that you will finish by Christmas, go for this. It is not as cheap as Casemates has accustomed us, but I guess inflation is a thing, and this wine is a good value for the price.
I hope this helps!
Ask away questions, if you have any!
PS: it is dry, yes it is.
‘thusiast says:
Sultry and soft, this white offers a juiciness of pear, anise and salty oak, made in a rich, layered style that nonetheless has complex structure and weight. It finishes with a touch of heat and undeniable power. VB 12/1/19
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations).
2016 Delgado Chardonnay - $40 = 20.51%