2018 Rombauer Chardonnay as Sylvester Stallone

Rombauer… it’s worth familiarizing yourself with this brand because it is the shining example of buttery, oaky, American Chardonnay. A style popularized in the 90s, it basically turned Chardonnay into a bad word. However, this wine is consistently highly rated. The production is large enough where many vintages will taste the same, though small enough were you’ll still get some variation.

Good news is, some people like that. Better news is, you’ll get real drunk. At 14.5% abv you can drink until you don’t feel like a stick of butter has exploded in your glass. If you get past the butter, there are some other notes expressed in this wine – stone fruit (peaches!) and tropical fruits. From the winemaking process you get butter, oak and coconut (from American oak). This is a full body and medium acid wine, so I would say pair with lobster? But if you’re having lobster, maybe pick a different wine. Bit of a pickle we have here.

That’s why this wine as a celeb Sylvester Stallone. Too popular in the 90s and only good for being exactly what it is. Not a lot of depth or complexity here. Do you want this on a regular basis? No. Is it helpful to watch Rocky so you can join in the cocktail party conversation? Yes. And despite your confusion about what all the fuss is about, it still remains incredibly popular.