Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
A new cuvee from Bibiana that’s released at a lower price point and made with the idea to be more approachable, the 200-case 2015 Russian River Valley Chardonnay comes from three different clones (4, 78 and 15), all from the Pratt Vineyard, and was brought up in 35% new French oak. While released at a lower price point, it offers a fabulous drinking experience and is a great introduction into the style of the estate. Stone fruits, apple blossom, toasted bread and hints of spice all give way to rich, textured, yet vibrant Chardonnay that's one great drink.
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Wine Enthusiast
Beautiful touches of oak and lemon butter meet with sea salt and tangerine pith on the nose of this appellation blend by Bibiana González Rave. The balanced acidity of the palate presents fresh lemon-lime flavors, with a touch of Meyer lemon pith, and is wrapped in a chalky texture.
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Wine Spectator
Weaves together a complex web of lively peach, tangerine and nectarine flavors, with the right dose of toasty, vanilla-accented oak. The vibrancy and purity of the fruit pushes forward in a charming manner.
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.
A standout region for its decidedly Californian take on Burgundian varieties, the Russian River Valley is named for the eponymous river that flows through it. While there are warm pockets of the AVA, it is mostly a cool-climate growing region thanks to breezes and fog from the nearby Pacific Ocean.
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir reign supreme in Russian River, with the best examples demonstrating a unique combination of richness and restraint. The cool weather makes Russian River an ideal AVA for sparkling wine production, utilizing the aforementioned varieties. Zinfandel also performs exceptionally well here. Within the Russian River Valley lie the smaller appellations of Chalk Hill and Green Valley. The former, farther from the ocean, is relatively warm, with a focus on red and white Bordeaux varieties. The latter is the coolest, foggiest parcel of the Russian River Valley and is responsible for outstanding Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.