When it became time to start the project, we spent some time sampling Pinots from notable regions and determined that the incredible Santa Lucia Highlands in Monterey County would provide us with exceptional fruit. Many times visitors would taste through our Chardonnays then ask to try our Pinot, and we had to break it to them that we didn’t have a Pinot Noir in our lineup. Pinot Noir was one of the most requested wines by our customers over the years. You decided to make Pinot Noir after a long search for the right terroir. At the end of the day, he wanted to ensure that whatever wine was added, was produced at a high-quality and it was the best expression of the variety possible. Koerner was open-minded to adding varieties to the brand, but he was also incredibly prudent. Merlot was also very popular at the time they started and did well in Napa, which is why that was part of the early portfolio. Chardonnay also made sense for the region and was a classic varietal that Koerner felt they could craft into a world-class wine. Rombauer made Cabernet Sauvignon first, considering its home in Napa, where this variety thrives. The founder, Koerner Rombauer, wanted the brand to stay focused and limit varieties in order to do a great job with a smaller selection think quality over quantity. Why and when did expansion lead to so many more varietals? Originally the founders of Rombauer wanted to limit their range of wines to only two or three varietals. Pinot Noir is one of the new additions to the Rombauer line. The result is a naturally sweeter and very complex dessert wine. The wine gets its sweetness from what is called “noble rot.” Botrytis dehydrates the grape within the skin, concentrating the sugar, acid, and flavors.

This dessert wine is very special in that we are only able to make it when conditions allow, typically about once every five years.

For example, the most recent release (the 2021 vintage) represents only the 15th Proprietor’s Selection Chardonnay in 42 years.Īnd finally, there is Joy, our late-harvest Chardonnay.

Our Home Ranch Chardonnay epitomizes the creamy, round, and rich component that is one the hallmarks of Rombauer Chardonnay.Īt the top of the portfolio is the Proprietor’s Selection, a reserve Chardonnay from Carneros fruit produced only in exceptional vintages by blending the best barrels from the finest lots. Planted in 1982, these 40-year-old vines have small yields of exceptionally dense grapes. This single-vineyard designate showcases the distinct character of their Home Ranch Vineyard. Home Ranch-The Sangiacomo family has farmed the Carneros region for generations.

Joy of Cooking by Irma S. Rombauer