2022 Rosella’s Vineyard Chardonnay
Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Tasting Notes
“Pale straw hue. Brilliant scents of pineapple, apple, fig, key lime pie, and coconut. Upon taste, these traits sail into the plush and vibrant palate. As this wine finishes it’s journey with your senses, it ends with decadence and deliciousness. Enjoy now through 2032.”
~Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
February 2024
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“Opens with notes of honeysuckle, marzipan, and orchard fruit that are mirrored on the palate. Good balance with bright acidity counterbalancing the impression of sweetness left by the fruit; finishes dry with lingering richness. 26 year old vines of Clones 76 and 96, whole cluster pressed and fermented and aged 12 months in 40% new French oak. pH 3.22, 14.3% alc.” Don Winkler, International Wine Review, May 2024
“Offering ripe and expressive flavors of dried pineapple, salted caramel, honeysuckle and peach cobbler, this stylish version shows tangy acidity, with details of candied orange peel and papaya on a plush frame. Drink now. 240 cases made.” MaryAnn Worbiec, Wine Spectator, May 2024
Production Data
Growers: Franscioni Family
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Elevation/Exposure: 300 – 400 feet; East
Soil: Sandy, gravelly loam
Vineyard Age: 26 years
Viticulture Practice: Sustainable (SIP Certified)
Vinification: Pressed Whole-cluster, fermented in French Oak
Cooperage & Ageing: 12 months in 100% French oak, 40% new
Production: 9 barrels
Composition: 100% Chardonnay (Clone 76, Clone 96)
Acidity:3.22 pH, 7.6 TA (g/L)
Alcohol: 14.3%
Harvest: September 17, 2022, hand harvested
Club Release: February 2024
Release Price: $57
Drink Now through 2032
Past Vintage Wine Scores
“Flashy, with honeysuckle and spice aromatics to take on the impressive core of mango, lemon oil, honey and ripe melon. Offers peach, apricot, papaya and dried pineapple flavors on the long, juicy finish. Drink now. 350 cases made.”
MaryAnn Worobiec
Wine Spectator
May 2023
“Creamy and deep, with layered flavors, ripe pear fruit and subtle but balanced acidity, long and rich.”
Anthony Dias Blue
July 2022
“Here is a Chardonnay that places a premium on fresh, very lively fruit, and, if seeming a bit tight and simple on initial nosing, it gradually reveals a serious sense of fruity depth as it sits in the glass with elements of slightly juicy apples merging with those of sweet limes along with glimmers of stony soil and a trim touch of oaky sweetness. It is deep, but it is not yet as expansive or as fully filled out as it will be once it has had some cellar time, and, although it earns enthusiastic endorsement for its vibrancy and terrific energy, it is not half as good now as it promises to be upon reaching its fourth or fifth anniversary.”
Connoisseurs’ Guide to California Wine
May 2022
“Limpid gold. Mineral-accented nectarine, orange, pear and white flowers on the assertively perfumed nose. Silky, tightly focused and dry in the mouth, offering vibrant orchard and pit fruit flavors that are complemented by suggestions of fennel, sweet butter and candied lemon zest. Shows excellent depth as well as vivacity. Finishes minerally, smoky and impressively long, with lingering citrus fruit and floral notes. 29% new French oak.”
Josh Raynolds
Antonio Galloni’s Vinous
May 2022
“The Rosella’s Vineyard Chardonnay begins with a perfumed bouquet of citrus and pear with orange blossom and mineral accents. The perfume persists in the mouth with optimally ripened fruit and toasty oak notes. Seamless and with good depth, this is one of the best Chardonnays we’ve had from the Santa Lucia Highlands. Sourced from Gary and Rosella Franscioni’s 50 acre Rosella’s Vineyard planted in 1996 with Dijon clones 76, 95 and 96. It lies just north of Garys’ Vineyard and is just about in the center of the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA with a southeast aspect. Matured 14 months in 29% new French oak.”
International Wine Review
October 2021
“Lush, toasty nose, silky smooth texture with subtle toast and a core of firm acidity; rich and yet totally balanced with a graceful, long finish.”
Anthony Dias Blue
September 2020
“The only Testarossa 2018 Chardonnay under review this month, this outstanding wine shows off both the virtues of a very good vintage and the extended reach and extra polish that can come with even a bit of extra age. It is big, it is deep and it is rich but it is also impeccably balanced with the kind of structure and very fine meshing of its many parts to make a convincing case that it is not yet nearing its best. We certainly would not refuse a glass if offered right now but candidly admit that we would wait for another year or two before opening a bottle of our own.”
Connoisseurs’ Guide to California Wine
May 2021
“Pale shimmering gold. Suavely oak-spiced pear, nectarine and Meyer lemon qualities on the nose, joined by floral and vanilla notes as the wine opens up. Juicy and expansive in the mouth, displaying intense orchard and pit fruit flavors energized by zesty mineral and candied ginger flourishes. Plays richness off energy with a smooth hand and finishes very long and lively, delivering resonating florality and a smoky mineral nuance.”
Josh Raynolds
Antonio Galloni’s Vinous
November 2019
“Brilliant yellow. Mineral-accented pear and nectarine scents show excellent clarity. Hints of vanilla, anise and jasmine build in the background. Sappy and expansive on the palate, offering concentrated orchard and citrus fruit flavors that are sharpened by a bracing jolt of gingery spices. Finishes sweet, focused and impressively long, with the mineral and floral notes repeating.”
Josh Raynolds
Antonio Galloni Vinous
“Delicate and mineral-driven aromas of rain on slate, wet cement, apple blossom and light marcona almond show on this bottling from one of the appellation’s most beloved vineyards. There is a great sizzle of acidity and strong chalk flavors on the sip, which is laser-sharp and focused on grapefruit pith flavors.”
Wine Enthusiast
“Light, clean and citrusy aromas of lemon, lime and grapefruit skin meet with a dollop of white peach and dusting of crushed slate on the nose of this wine. A fine-pointed acidity carries nectarine, pluot and Asian pear flavors across the palate, which trends racy, bright and slightly sour, with a chalky structure.”
Wine Enthusiast
Matt Kettmann
October 2016
“This wine from the Franscioni family’s home vineyard shows tight aromas of lime candy, chalky rock, Pink Lady apple, sliced mandarin orange and a hint of honeysuckle. The palate is full of energy, with a wide range of orange flavors, from Pixie tangerines to Creamsicles, with a touch of honey on the finish.”
Wine Enthusiast
“One of the standouts in the lineup, the 2012 Chardonnay Rosella’s Vineyard has knockout purity and precision to go with a medium-bodied, elegant, seamless style. Dried herbs, mineral, stone fruits and hints of toast all emerge from this classy white, and it can be consumed anytime over the coming 3-5 years, possibly longer.”
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
“Santa Lucia Highlands chardonnays can be generous, but few deliver that natural fruit sweetness with as much energy as this wine. There’s a golden glow to it, a depth of fruit that’s hard to ignore, shot through with aromas of chamomile and crushed raspberries. There’s some oak here too, a toasted hazelnut edge to the wine that feel completely appropriate, but mostly the wine’s about the beautiful lift of its fruit. It seems to capture both the cool fog and sunny afternoons of coastal California, and would be perfect with roast sea bass.”
Wine & Spirits Magazine
April 2014
The Rosella’s Vineyard
Rosella’s Vineyard is one of the most renowned estates in the Santa Lucia Highlands. It is owned by Gary and Rosella Franscioni. Originally planted in 1996, Rosella’s has forty acres of ‘Pisoni clone’ Pinot Noir and ten acres of Dijon clone Chardonnay. The property’s close proximity to Monterey Bay makes for a very cool climate, with one of California’s longest growing seasons. The resulting slow, gentle ripening allows for full flavor development on the vine. Two acres each of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay of Rosella’s are allocated annually to Testarossa.
Past Vintages
Wine Production Data
Tasting Notes
“Medium yellow hue. Abundant scents of fig, butterscotch, apple chutney, and lemon-zest. With some air, notes of coconut, caramel, and melon flow in. Once on the palate, these characteristics continue seamlessly into a juicy and lush texture. Modest acidity along with a rich and pleasing finish make for a lovely experience. Enjoy now through 2032.”
~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
February 2023
Production Data
Growers: Franscioni Family
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Elevation/Exposure: 300 – 400 feet; East
Soil: Sandy, gravelly loam
Vineyard Age: 25 years
Viticulture Practice: Sustainable (SIP Certified)
Vinification: Pressed Whole-cluster, fermented in French Oak
Cooperage & Ageing: 15 months in 100% French Oak, 42% new
Production: 15 barrels
Composition: 100% Chardonnay (Clone 76)
Acidity: 3.35 pH, 6.97 TA (g/L)
Alcohol: 14.3%
Harvest: October 5, 2021, hand harvested
Club Release: February 2023
Drink Now through 2032
Tasting Notes
“Pale straw hue. Aromas of fig, passionfruit, ripe apple, white peach, and grapefruit make for a nice start to this Chardonnay. Upon taste, these characters expand and flow gracefully to a decadent, hedonistic palate. This wine finishes with an enchanting conclusion. Enjoy now through 2030.”
~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
February 2022
Production Data
Growers: Franscioni Family
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Elevation/Exposure: 300 – 400 feet; East
Soil: Sandy, gravelly loam
Vineyard Age: 24 years
Viticulture Practice: Sustainable (SIP Certified)
Vinification: Pressed Whole-cluster, fermented in French Oak
Cooperage & Ageing: 14 months in 100% French Oak, 38% new
Production: 11 barrels
Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Clone: Clone 96 & Clone 76
Acidity: 3.12 pH, 6.79 TA (g/L)
Alcohol: 14.3%
Harvest: October 1, 2020
Club Release: February 2022
Drink Now through 2030
Tasting Notes
“Medium straw hue. Scents of kiwi, grapefruit, apple, fig chutney, sage, honey, and caramel make for a complex aroma profile. Upon taste, these characters persist and concentrate around caramel flavors. With lively and sleek texture, this Chardonnay goes the distance with juicy rich, unctuous qualities. Enjoy now through 2030.”
~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
January 2021
Production Data
Growers: Franscioni Family
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Elevation/Exposure: 300 – 400 feet; East
Soil: Sandy, gravelly loam
Vineyard Age: 23 years
Viticulture Practice: Sustainable (SIP Certified)
Vinification: Pressed Whole-cluster, fermented in French Oak
Cooperage & Ageing: 14 months in 100% French Oak, 29% new
Production: 17 barrels
Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Clone: 71% Clone 96, 29% Clone 76
Acidity: 3.24 PH, 7.23 TA (g/L)
Alcohol: 14.3%
Harvest: October 8, 2019
Club Release: February 2021
Drink Now Through 2030
Tasting Notes
“Medium straw hue. Engaging scents of hazelnut, ripe grapefruit, pineapple, and melon. With some air, new aromas of apricot, white peach, butterscotch, and honey unite. Once on the palate, these characteristics persist and are matched with notes of vanilla bean. The texture is very dense, expansive, yet vibrant. Very pleasurable experience with a long, rich finish. Enjoy now through 2028.”
~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
Production Data
Growers: Franscioni Family
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Barrel Aging: 21 months
Cooperage: 100% French Oak, 25% new
Production: 19 barrels
Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Acidity: 3.13 PH, 7.3 TA (g/L)
Alcohol: 14.4%
Harvest: October 2, 2018
Club Release: November 2020
Drink Now through 2028
Tasting Notes
“Pale straw hue. Abundant scents of kiwi, melon, grapefruit and honeysuckle leap out initially. Following some time in glass, there are notes of fig, apple, caramel, and banana. Once on the palate, flavors of citrus, caramel, and kiwi persist around the dense mouthfeel, brisk acidity, yet polished texture. This Chardonnay delivers now but has the vibrancy and youth to age gracefully for 8+ years. Enjoy now through 2025.”
~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
Production Data
Growers: Franscioni Family
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Barrel Aging: 17 months
Cooperage: 100% French Oak, 57% new
Production: 19 barrels
Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Acidity: 6.91 g/L – 3.18 pH
Alcohol: 14.3%
Harvest: September 15, 2017
Club Release: September 2019
Drink Now through 2025
Tasting Notes
“Pale straw hue. Scents of grapefruit, lemon-zest, kiwi, mango, and brioche comprise of the primary aromatic attributes. Thereafter notes of apple, nutmeg, and custard give a softer overlay to this wine. Flavors of mango, kiwi, and grapefruit lead in the palate, which is held up by a vibrant, decadent, and polished mouthfeel. This wine ends nicely with intricacy and complexity. Enjoy now through 2026.”
~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
Production Data
Growers: Franscioni Family
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Barrel Aging: 17 months
Cooperage: 100% French Oak, 29% new
Production: 11 barrels
Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Acidity: 8.23 g/L – 3.01 pH
Alcohol: 14.4%
Harvest: September 20, 2016
Club Release: September 26, 2018
Drink Now through 2026
Tasting Notes
“Bright straw hue. Lively scents of apple, brioche, peach, mango with hints of kiwi and fig. Upon taste, these notes expand on the palate yet are framed by bright acidity. Intricate and nuanced, the texture of the wine is very sophisticated showing incredible polish and purity. Delicate, graceful, and lingering finish. Enjoy now through 2026.”
~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
Production Data
Growers: Franscioni Family
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Barrel Aging: 10 months
Cooperage: 100% French Oak, 22% new
Production: 11 barrels
Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Acidity: 6.79 g/L – 3.23 pH
Alcohol: 14.4%
Harvest: September 4, 2015
Club Release:
Drink Now through 2026
Tasting Notes
“Pale straw hue. Scents of honey, brioche, crème brulee and caramel, which are united with terroir notes of lemon, grapefruit, apple, banana, and fig. After some time on the palate, the brisk acidity softens and layers of apple, honey, brioche and grapefruit become focused. Fine French oak tannins lead nicely into the bright, fresh, youthful, and polished finish. Enjoy now through 2025.”
~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
Production Data
Growers: Franscioni Family
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Barrel Aging: 11.5 months
Cooperage: 100% French Oak, 39% new
Production: 18 barrels
Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Acidity: 7.41 g/L – 3.2 pH
Alcohol: 14.9%
Harvest: September 30, 2014
Club Release:
Drink Now through 2024
Tasting Notes
“Brilliant yellow hue. Scents of ripe fig, pear, apple, banana, brioche, and crème brulée unite in a complex Chardonnay. Flavors are consistent with the aroma profile except, citrus notes of lemon and grapefruit expand while the crème brulée and banana notes are subdued. Vibrant acidity and a polished mouth-feel segue into a pure, multi-layered finish. Enjoy now through 2021”
~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
Production Data
Growers: Franscioni Family
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Barrel Aging: 9 months
Cooperage: 100% French Oak, 26% new
Production: 12 barrels
Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Acidity: 3.28 pH
Alcohol: 14.3%
Harvest: October 10, 2013
Club Release:
Drink Now through 2021
Tasting Notes
“Medium straw color. This Chardonnay opens nicely with hints of green apple, fig, grapefruit, and followed by notes of molasses, caramel, nutmeg, honey, and crème brulee. The fruit and dessert fusion sails nicely into the palate and is tamed by bright acidity. There is an intense purity of characters while the wine displays ample richness. The finish is quite balanced and with great polish, leading to immediate enjoyment now. Drink now through 2020.”
~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
Production Data
Growers: Franscioni Family
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Barrel Aging: 11 months
Cooperage: 100% French Oak, 31% new
Production: 11 barrels
Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Acidity: 6.9 g/L – 3.44 pH
Alcohol: 14.2%
Harvest: October 10, 2013
Club Release: April 5, 2014
Drink Now through 2020
WEATHER HOLD ADVISORY: Please note that due to the fragile nature of wine and the impending winter/summer season, we are unable to ship wines to states whose temperatures have dropped below 32 / risen above 90 degrees on average. Orders will be kept in our temperature controlled cellar until more moderate temperatures are reached. If you feel your area might be impacted, please contact us at clubt@testarossa.com to inquire about shipping options.