Winemaker Notes
Critical Acclaim
All VintagesLongtime Broncos quarterback John Elway founded this project with his business partner, Jeff Sperbeck, bringing in Robert Mondavi, Jr., as winemaker. The fruit for this chardonnay comes from the Hi Vista Vineyard in Carneros, fermented and aged in American oak barrels (33 percent new). It’s a rich, smooth white with significant oak influence, while subtle anise and lemon scents keep it tight and focused.
Best Buy
7Cellars was founded by restaurateur, philanthropist and noted football icon, John Elway. John was inspired to create world-class wines that would live up to his ideals, and be a proud representation of his family’s name. He partnered with iconic winemaker Rob Mondavi, Jr. to release the company’s first vintage of Reserve wines with a rich, supple Cabernet and a crisp, refreshing Chardonnay.
After five successful and sold out vintages of the Reserve, 7Cellars has expanded with a new collection, "The Farm Collection. "The “Farm” pays homage to John’s college Stanford (aka, The Farm), the place where many of his early friendships were formed, and fondest memories took place. This collection, featuring a Chardonnay, Cabernet, and Pinot Noir, is offered at a more approachable price point, but with the same superior quality for which the brand is known.
With every bottle of Elway’s wine purchased, a donation is made to our partners at Team Rubicon, a nonprofit organization that supports, trains, and deploys US Veterans in disaster relief missions around the world. Enjoy our world-class wines, knowing you are helping to make the world a better place
Known for elegant wines that combine power and finesse, Carneros is set in the rolling hills that straddle the southernmost parts of both Sonoma and Napa counties. The cooling winds from the abutting San Pablo Bay, combined with lots of midday California sunshine, create an ideal environment for producing wines with a perfect balance of crisp acidity and well-ripened fruit.
This cooler pocket of California lends itself to growing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah. Carneros is an important source of sparkling wines made in the style of Champagne as well.
One of the most popular and versatile white wine grapes, Chardonnay offers a wide range of flavors and styles depending on where it is grown and how it is made. While it tends to flourish in most environments, Chardonnay from its Burgundian homeland produces some of the most remarkable and longest lived examples. California produces both oaky, buttery styles and leaner, European-inspired wines. Somm Secret—The Burgundian subregion of Chablis, while typically using older oak barrels, produces a bright style similar to the unoaked style. Anyone who doesn't like oaky Chardonnay would likely enjoy Chablis.