Russian River Valley Chardonnay Reviews

Smokey, pithy and ripe with notes of grilled pineapple, cinnamon toast and crème brulee. 

Reduced oak settles in the glass to unleash juicy flavors of Gravenstein apple, lemon, grapefruit and white flower. Gravelly texture gives it context and complexity that buoys the full-bodied frame and allows for persistent acidity.

Editors’ Choice.

This impressive wine is made in larger quantities than many of the producer’s single-vineyard designates, sourced from throughout the appellation. It shines in spritzy, vibrant acidity that supports a medium-bodied frame of lemon zest, kumquat and plenty of length, dotted in touches of nutmeg. 

There’s a lot to like in this nicely priced white, a blend of several regional vineyards. A taste of hazelnut expands on the palate to meet creamy Tahitian vanilla. Approachably round, this crowd-pleasing wine finishes in measured, integrated oak. Editors’ Choice. —V.B. 

Editor's Choice. Chard freaks will love this California-style version of this variety. It's wonderfully fruity with ripe pineapple, tangerines and papayas, and a rich sweet taste, like bananas sautéed in butter and drizzled with honey. The acidity is perfect. Great job for the price, and easy to find…

Editor's Choice. Great acidity and minerality in this elegant young wine. Doesn’t show the rich concentration of De Loach’s single-vineyard Chards, but then again, it costs far less. It’s actually a good value for a try, minerally and complex Russian River Chardonnay. Don’t drink it too cold.