California producer Sonoma-Cutrer, located in the heart of the Russian River Valley, has announced two new vintages: the 2023 Russian River Ranches Chardonnay and 2023 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay.
Sonoma-Cutrer’s all-female team is led by their director of winemaking Cara Morrison and senior winemaker Zidanelia Arcidiacono
“The late start to the harvest season allowed the 2023 vintages of the Sonoma Coast and Russian River Ranches Chardonnays to display remarkable balance, complexity and depth of flavor, a testament to the meticulous care and favorable conditions of the growing season,” says Morrison.
Adds Arcidiacono, “Our team works extremely hard to ensure that our chardonnays consistently uphold their outstanding reputation. This year, record high winter rains and cooler spring and summer temperatures provided the ideal environment for the grapes to thrive.”
The 2023 Russian River Ranches Chardonnay is a pale straw color and has a slight green hue, according to winery-provided tasting notes. Aromas of lime zest, Meyer lemon, green apple and bright white pear are accented by a mineral touch, white flowers and toasted almonds. Known for being a fruit-forward wine, it offers crisp, bright acidity on the palate with dominant lemon and mineral flavor. The citrus acidity rounds out to a velvety texture, with lingering notes of pineapple and Bosc pear.
The 2023 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay is a medium straw color with aromas of stone fruit and apple blossom, plus honeydew, pineapple and subtle oak spice, according to winery-provided tasting notes. On the palate is pear and golden delicious apple, balanced by bright acidity and soft mid-palate. This finish has gentle barrel spice.
Sonoma-Cutrer’s Sonoma Coast Chardonnay (13.9% ABV) is available to purchase directly from the winery for a suggested price of $25 and Russian River Ranches Chardonnay (13.8% ABV) is available for a suggested price of $31. Both wines are also available to purchase at retail locations nationwide (prices may vary).
This follows the release of Sonoma-Cutrer 2024 Winemaker’s Release: Les Plus Haut Pinot Noir.
