The Russian River Valley
Scott Harper, MS
Sonoma County is comprised of luxury resorts, fine restaurants, major highways, small towns, pastures, country inns, back roads, as well as, the ubiquitous idyllic vineyards. All of this is just over the Golden Gate Bridge, a short 45 miles from San Francisco. The number one grape varietal that you will find planted in Sonoma County is Chardonnay.
Within Sonoma County is the Russian River Valley. What in the world can Russians have to do with California wine country you ask? Well, the Russians were the first non-natives to settle in Sonoma County at Fort Ross from 1812 to 1841. They are credited for the first vineyard plantings in Sonoma County, but the type of grapes they planted is not known. Official status of the Russian River Valley as an American Viticulture Area came in 1983.
The Russian River Valley has approximately 15,000 acres of vines planted within its 169,000 acres of land. There are over 200 grape growers and 70 wineries in this AVA fraction of Sonoma County. In general, it is considered to be one of the finest areas in California to grow grapes.
About the Author
A Certified Wine Educator, Scott is one of 135 professionals in North America and 214 worldwide who have earned the title Master Sommelier.
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Sonoma Cutrer Russian River Ranches Chardonnay
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At first youthful, fresh, crisp, clean and lean then classic ripe Chardonnay aromas of honey, pear nectar and citrus blossom, softly framed by toasty, caramelized oak tones. The entry is smooth, with concentrated tastes of pear, apple and clove. The middle is a smoothly textured cascade of fruit flavors and the finish recalls fleshy, segmented pink grapefruit. A simple dish of mushrooms sautéed in butter and finished on high heat with a splash of Russian River Ranches, salt and a sprinkle of minced parsley is a superb pairing with the youthfulness of the 2002 Russian River Ranches. To really indulge, add a few drops of truffle oil just before serving. The earthy aromas and flavors of this dish bring out the luscious fruit in the wine. Russian River Ranches also pairs well with lightly smoked meats or poultry, and is a great choice for an elegant picnic wine.
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Not Your Mothers California Chardonnay
Theresa values a sense of place expressed in her wines, as the grapes come from single vineyard sites around the area each having its own unique combination of soil, climate, and farming. Many of these sites have been the vineyards for wines of recognition over the years, and they continue to produce the best fruit around.
A more Burgundian approach to style sets Theresa apart from much of the heavy-handed winemaking that California can be known for. Her process of picking the grapes early gives her wines ample acidity leading to crisp freshness across the line. There is no flabbiness in this Chardonnay, nor is there in any of the wines produced at Gary Farrell.
The 2019 Russian River Selection Chardonnay is a prime example of the quality of Sonoma County fruit, sourced from several vineyard sites, complemented by the structure that can be crafted by thoughtful winemaking. It is rounded and rich but also refreshing and crisp, with layers of Meryer lemon, citrus fruit, pear, and brioche. Light on the oak, but still with a signature touch of spice completing the profile.
Sip on the patio throughout a warm evening, or pair perfectly with white fish made with a simple lemon butter caper sauce.
Gary Farrells Russian River Selection Chardonnay can be purchased for $42 at Mr. D Wine Merchant in Miami, as well as at select Total Wine stores.
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The Best Chardonnays For 2022
Native to Burgundy, France, Chardonnay is celebrated by winemakers and drinkers alike for its sheer versatility. This is a grape that plays a central role in the worlds most revered sparkling wines offers fruit notes that run the entire spectrum from citrus to tropical and not only holds its own but thrives when dealt the transformative influences of barrel aging and malolactic fermentation.
Encapsulating that versatility and broad range of guises, this list features bottles from across the United States, and pays worthwhile visits to mainland Greece and the high altitudes of Argentinas Uco valley. Prepare for case buys, food wines, and bottles that will kick off a night with a refreshing pop. These are 27 of the best Chardonnays to drink in 2022.
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Club Cutrer Tasting Experience
Amazing Vineyard views and world-class wines await you during your visit in this experience created just for our club members and their guests. Reservations are required.
This tasting is only available to Club Cutrer and Grand Cru Club Members. Club Cutrer members receive a total of 4 complimentary tastings per visit and Grand Cru members receive a total of 6 complimentary tastings per visit. Non-club members will be contacted regarding payment prior to or upon visiting the winery.
Laguna Russian River Valley Sonoma Chardonnay White Wine
- Luxurious and refreshing and carries flavors of apple, pear and quince framed by subtle spice notes
- A wine finely balanced between crisp acidity and ripe fruit flavors
- Laguna Chardonnay is born in the heart of the Russian River Valley, a region known for producing world-class Chardonnay
- From Russian River Valley, Sonoma County California
Laguna Russion River Valley Chardonnay White Wine 750ml
Laguna Chardonnay is dedicated to producing world-class wine from the prestigious Russian River Valley. Our Chardonnay is an exceptionally well-balanced and luxurious white wine with flavors of apple, pear and quince framed by subtle spice notes.
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Black Russian Terrier Aliases
The BRT is called and known by different names and is referred to as the Black Terrier, Russian Pearl, Tchiorny Terrier, Chornyi, Svart Terrier, Terrier Noir Russe, Stalins Dog, Russian Bear Schnauzer, Sort Russisk Terrier, Blackie, Terrier Ruso Negro, Czarny Terier Rosyjski and lastly BRT.
Synopsis Of A Black Russian Terrier
The mysterious Black Russian Terrier is a working guard dog who is:
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Not for a first time owner.
More detailed information can be found at the Black Russian Terrier Overview
Iz Teremka Objective, Training and Black Russian Terrier Rescue.
Our foundation stock is comprised of males, females and numerous co-owned males and females. Our dogs are members of our family, and as such, they live in the house with us and receive as much socialization as possible. They all attend obedience training and participate in activities with other dogs including conformation, rally, barn hunt, lure coursing and other activities.
In addition, our Kennel is actively involved in the rescue of Black Russian Terriers who have been abandoned by their owners. or owners who for some reason cannot take care of their Black Russian Terriers, or any other situation where the life of a Black Russian Terrier is at stake.
We also volunteer in a network rescue transportation, where dogs and cats are being transported from one location to another location
Black Russian Terrier Breeder Ontario Canada
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Best Overall: 2018 Benovia Chardonnay Russian River
Courtesy of Wine.com
Benovia winemaker Mike Sullivan cut his teeth serving as assistant winemaker to the great Helen Turley before making a name for himself as one of the most highly regarded grape whisperers of Sonoma County. Theres no going wrong with any bottle made by Sullivans hands. His work with Benovia is marked by a trail of dynamite chardonnays , but the jewel amongst jewels is this classic, accessible, beautiful 2018 Russian River.
Royally complex and under $50, this golden straw-colored bottle drinks like a wine twice its value. Oaky and lemony with great minerality, there are notes of pear, citrus and vanilla. This bottle pairs well with most evenings and is the star of the show during wedding celebrations and other moments of bliss.
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Sonoma Cutrer Russian River Chardonnay 750ml
750ml
Out of stock
Russian River Ranches is a soft pale straw color with slight green tinges on the edge. As the aromas of the wine leave the glass, you will be struck with a fruit forward bouquet of bosc pear, Honeycrisp apple and a subtle hint of citrus blossom. Delicate whiffs of nougat, roasted nuts and oak spice accentuate the tantalizing fruit scents. Your mouth will be enveloped with flavors of zesty lemon, green apple and barrel spice with just the perfect touch of minerality. The wine is refreshing and juicy with a beautifully focused, creamy mouthfeel that has bright acidity balance and a long, flavorful finish. This vintage showcases the exceptional consistency of flavors and classic style Sonoma-Cutrer drinkers have come to expect. Ready to drink now
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Where In California Is The Wine Country
The Californian wine country is in the North San Francisco Bay area, with over 800 wineries located all along this scenic route. The Bay area encompasses some of the worlds most famous wine regions, including Napa Valley and Sonoma.
The success of these famous regions within the Bay area is largely to do with the sound soil composition and ideal climatic conditions. Each region is fortunate to have a wide range of temperatures and soil types, allowing the brilliant variety of grapes to thrive here.
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Landmark 2017 Lorenzo Chardonnay
Bright and pale lemon in color with notes of Bartlett pear, lemon zest and apricot on the nose. The complex palate is precise and focused with flavors of sweet lemon and kaffir lime, white peaches and crème brûlée with a hint of salinity. The 2017 Lorenzo Chardonnay has a unique balance of creamy elegance and refreshing texture on the palate that invites you back to the glass for more. Located near the Laguna de Santa Rosa, Lorenzo Vineyard is the coldest Chardonnay vineyard within Landmarks portfolio and more often concludes our harvest each year. This cool spot and the age of the vines allow the fruit to fully ripen at a very slow pace retaining its natural acidity and the zippiness and structure for which Lorenzo is known.
Kistler 2019 Chardonnay Laguna Ridge Vineyard Russian River Valley Magnum
2019 Kistler Chardonnay Laguna Ridge Vineyard Russian River ValleyWine Advocate 100 PointsI have always been a fan of Kistler wines, but these 2019s have blown me awayespecially this epic 2019 Chardonnay Laguna Ridge Vineyard. Its aromas are pure, intense, detailed and singular, with tones of crystallized honey, lilac, jasmine and salted almonds. The palate is a symphony of expansive, satiny texture and ethereal lift, honey and salty tang, with incomparable purity and length. Its energy and dynamic palate of flavors called me in again and again, and I just could not put this wine down! Bottled only in magnum, it will evolve at a glacial pace in the cellar. Drink Date 2023 2038. Erin Brooks 3rd Jun 2021
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Patz & Hall 2017 Dutton Ranch Russian River Valley Chardonnay
The 2017 Dutton Ranch Chardonnay delivers aromas of ginger, guava and Crème brûlée with toasted almond, and toffee-brown sugar. Dense, and full bodied, theres a pleasingly crisp and mouthwatering green apple note on the palate that melds with dried apricot, tangerine flavors along with a hint of toasted oak. The wine finishes dry with fresh acidity and a touch of lemon zest and candied ginger. Once again, Dutton Ranch has delivered a wonderfully age-worthy wine that captures the charm and complexity of some of Sonoma Countys oldest Chardonnay vines.
Why Russian River Valley Grapes Are So Complex
The Russian River Valley wine region is ideally suited for growing some of the finest cool-weather grapes in the world. The AVA is located at the center of Californias Sonoma County, about eight miles inland from Sonomas Pacific coastline.
This region was named after the nearby Russian River, which runs through the northern part of the area. This close proximity to two different bodies of water gives the Russian River Valley wine region its famously cool, foggy climate. Ocean fog travels from the coast into the Russian River Valley through the Petaluma Gap and covers the hills in a thick blanket of mist for most of the day. Meanwhile, the Russian River and the many creeks that surround it keep the air consistently cool, even after the fog clears in the mid-afternoon.
These conditions are ideal for producing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay because these grapes taste more complex when they are able to ripen slowly on the vine. In hot, dry climates, wines made using these varieties are sometimes high in sugar but lack acidity and complexity. In the Russian River Valley wine region, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay taste both more austere and nuanced because the fog and chilly conditions slow down the ripening process. Some producers harvest their grapes as late as October or November to allow the fruit to ripen completely.
The Russian River Valley AVA is incredibly diverse and varied in climate.
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Early Mountain Quaker Run Vineyard Chardonnay 2019
The Quaker Run Vineyard is a relatively new site for Early Mountain, a Virginia winery that offers a bounty of high quality varietal wines. Aged for one year on lees in European oak casks, the wine then spends an additional 5 months on lees in stainless steel. Its profile is rich as expected from the style of winemaking but concentrated orchard fruit notes shine bright throughout. Average price: $42. Rating: 94.
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What Is The Famous Wine Region Featured In The Movie Sideways
Thats Santa Barbara.
The greatest attribute of Sideways is that it promoted Pinot Noir, which became very popular because of the movie.
The region of Santa Barbara offers a great variety of unique tasting options with over 120 different wineries to choose from. This region is off-the-beaten-track, but should not be underestimated. Sideways drew much-needed attention to this region and all that it has to offer.
Hartford Court Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2020
Sonomas Russian River Valley has proven caliber on the high-quality Chardonnay front, and this expression is a fine example. Ripe and baked stone fruits arrive in luxurious harmony along with the influence of 9 ½ months of French oak aging. Subtle mineral texture on the palate provides the icing on the cake for this classic California Chardonnay. Average price: $35. Rating: 89.
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Black Stallion Estate Winery Heritage Napa Valley Chardonnay 2020
Talk about a steal: This is a barrel-fermented, Napa Valley Chard that comes in at less than $25. Aged for up to seven months in oak, the wine received twice-monthly stirring on lees to enhance its creamy texture. That richness is offset by tropical fruit and flinty aromas, as well as lively acidity. This wine is an exhibition in balance and restraint. Average price: $24. Rating: 89.
Which Wine Regions Are In California
From North to South, the main regions are Mendocino, Lake, Napa Valley, Sonoma, Livermore Valley, Lodi, Sierra Foothills, Santa Cruz Mountains, Monterey, Paso Robles and Santa Barbara.
California is a vast region that consists of several smaller wine-producing areas. Although Napa Valley and Sonoma are what California is most known for, the states other regions produce equally outstanding wines.
Napa Valley and Paso Robles are renowned for the bold reds of Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel, as well as the scenic wine route which offers unique experiences to wine lovers. On the contrary, Santa Barbara and The Russian River Valley, with conditions more suited to delicate grapes, produce outstanding expressions of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Each of these regions offers a unique take on the wines of California allowing for a greater expression and experience of what the Golden State can truly offer.
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Macari Vineyards Chardonnay Estate 2019
The cooler climate of the North Fork of Long Island provides the ideal setting for making fruit-forward Chardonnay like this unaged, stainless steel bottling from Macari. Passionfruit and mango aromas mingle with steely green notes on the nose, transforming to orchard fruit and pleasingly persistent acidity on the palate. This wine has light salad written all over it. Average price: $24. Rating: 89.
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