2018 Rocca Family Vineyards Chardonnay UV Vineyard Sonoma Coast 750 ml

Ulises Valdez was a farming legend. Paul Hobbs once called the celebrated grower “one of the most gifted, knowledgeable and intuitive vineyard managers in California.” 

In 2006, Valdez and Chardonnay superstar Mark Aubert planted just 6.7 acres of Wente- and Montrachet-clone Chardonnay on Valdez’s home vineyard, just six miles from the ocean. Now, that treasured site—known both as “UV” and “Silver Eagle”—is a coveted source for some of the most sought-after Chardonnays in California: Aubert’s $180 bottling, plus bottles from stars like Maxem and Senses ($120).

That makes Rocca Family’s STELLAR 2018 UV Sonoma Coast Chardonnay, from this SAME home base Mr. Valdez farmed so expertly and a storybook vintage that Wine Advocate called “Outstanding”—one of the best Chardonnay bargains going.

2018 was a first-rate vintage for Sonoma County Chardonnay. Wine Spectator rated it 95 points and quoted David Ramey, who said he’d had “the easiest harvest ever.” Tragically, 2018 was Mr. Valdez’s last vintage, as he passed away from a heart attack that September. 

The fog is a huge influence on Valdez’s home vineyard, and it’s to thank for the bracing acidity in this wine, which is balanced by big pineapple and fig flavors on the palate. White Burgundy lovers are going to flip for the interplay of grip and richness in this Chardonnay.

Paul Colantuoni made this wine—he’s a low-key rockstar winemaker seasoned by stints at Mondavi, Neyers, Vieux Télégraphe, and Brancaia. Colantuoni has been the key to Rocca’s consistent quality over the years, and when you taste this succulent, custardy Chardonnay, you’ll know exactly why Rocca recruited him, at Celia Welch’s suggestion. The payoff is right here in the bottle.