Winemaker Notes
Classic floral nose reminiscent of honeysuckle, apple blossoms and white flowers, with notes of tropical fruits like passionfruit and guava. The palate is refreshing and lively, with bright acidity and zesty flavors of lemon, apple and pear, clean and mineral – but also with a note of sunshine from California!
Serve with raw or grilled seafood, smoked salmon, sushi and Asian cuisine — and for sure, with tapas!
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A racy, crisp and lively wine that's aromatic in white peaches and apricots, followed by mineral, flint and citrus nuances on the palate. Steel-fermented, medium-bodied, quite focused and brilliant on the palate and tangy finish.
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Wine Spectator
Succulent, intense and vibrant, with notes of tangerine, ruby grapefruit, lemon oregano and lemon sherbet, plus hints of salted Marcona almond and lemon blossoms, all on a sleek, mouthwatering frame.
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Wine Enthusiast
Aromas of lime, pithy grapefruit and fresh herbs waft from the glass of this zesty Albarino, while the palate races to a clean, fresh finish on a wave of citrus acidity, kaffir and lychee. This is brilliant stuff for oysters, or anyone who wants a nifty alternative to Savvy-B.
Bright and aromatic with distinctive floral and fruity characteristics, Albariño has enjoyed a surge in popularity and an increase in plantings over the last couple of decades. Thick skins allow it to withstand the humid conditions of its homeland, Rías Baixas, Spain, free of malady, and produce a weighty but fresh white. Somm Secret—Albariño claims dual citizenship in Spain and Portugal. Under the name Alvarinho, it thrives in Portugal’s northwestern Vinho Verde region, which predictably, borders part of Spain’s Rías Baixas.
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.