Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This opulent and concentrated Chardonnay displays aromas of concentrated apple, pear, nectarine and orange blossom on the nose. The palate brings flavors of tart pineapple, spiced apple chutney and a beautiful balance between vibrant acidity and oak structure.
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James Suckling
Attractive aromas of yellow apples, white peaches, raw almonds, bread dough and hints of pralines. Round and creamy on the palate, with a full body, but it’s not overpowering. A sleek, buttery finish.
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Wine Spectator
Strikes a delicate balance between richness and freshness, with touches of crystalized sugar, salted butter and candied ginger peel. Shows sleek, juicy acidity and plenty of pop on the finish, where tangerine, lemon and peach flavors shine.
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.