Established in California’s Russian River Valley, Sonoma-Cutrer has a clear focus on Chardonnay. From the outset, the estate emphasized vineyard-specific planting—selecting clones and rootstocks suited to its cooler, coastal-influenced sites—and farming with an eye toward balance and consistency. Its early releases in the 1980s helped define a style of California Chardonnay that combined ripe fruit with noticeable acidity and structured use of oak. This tradition has been carried since Duckhorn’s acquisition in 2003.

This single vineyard is known for its flinty, mineral notes. The wine unveils a pale yellow color with a slight chalkiness in the nose. What makes this wine so interesting is that the flintiness is Gavi-like and the minerality is very Chablis-like! This adds overall complexity to the overall personality of the wine. There is also a nuance of honeysuckle along with a rich creamy texture. At this point, it has plenty of youthfulness which will open up more with bottle age.

By Joe DiMaggio