Raeburn - Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2015
Pairing Suggestions
Raeburn – Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2015 (88 tsomw points)
Raeburn is an Olde English term which means “the river where one goes to drink.” Raeburn’s Winery is located in the heart of Sonoma County’s famed Russian River Valley. Originally built in as an egg storage facility, Olivet was converted to a small production winery by the iconic Sonoma County vintner, Cecil DeLoach, in 2000. The winery was then purchased by wine and spirits innovator, Derek Benham, in January, 2005 and has since become the home of Raeburn Winery.
Russian River Valley is located in the heart of Sonoma County, California. Grape varieties that do well in a cooler climate come into their own here. Russian River Valley gives Chardonnay's in which you can find both the old world style (the freshness of Chablis) and the new world style (full of ripe fruit). Thanks to the climate. The fog of the Pacific gives the valley coolness. It works as natural air conditioning that ensures that the grapes ripen slowly over a longer period. 15 to 20% longer than in neighboring wine regions.
About the wineprocess:
The grapes are hand-picked in the early morning and carefully squeezed. Then 75% ferment in French and Hungarian oak barrels. This ensures the perfectly balanced, elegant and typical flavors associated with Chardonnay from California.
Chardonnay world class, whether it comes from Burgundy or Russian River Valley, always ripens sur lie: on its own yeasts. Six months in this case! For extra complexity, taste and creaminess. And all that is extremely sustainable: Raeburn is a Certified California Sustainable Winery.
My tasting notes:
In the glass a beautiful golden yellow color.
On the nose intense aromas of pineapple, ripe apple and banana with well integrated hints of vanilla and light wood.
On the palate nicely balanced, medium+-bodied, light creamy and round in the mouth with apple, pear, banana and toast. The wine has a light sweet twinkle with medium acidity and finish.