Location, location, location! We discovered not too long ago that Sonoma-Cutrer’s top-quality Russian River Ranches cuvée is largely sourced from the Chardonnay vines planted on either side of the driveway that runs up to the hill to the very Winner’s Circle-Vine Hill Ranch vineyard that has produced some of the Russian River’s most iconic wines, including those from the likes of Kistler, Kosta-Browne and PRIMA’s own much-revered Reserve Chard. That’s some very classy real estate! No wonder the wine is so good! And while Sonoma-Cutrer does produce far more of a Sonoma Coast Chard from other sites around the Valley, it’s the sophisticated Russian River Ranches that truly raises the bar for quality and value.
 
It appeals to both lovers of a more restrained Burgundian style of Chard and those who prefer more horsepower, oak and panache in their wine. Utterly delicious, it’s our largest-selling Chardonnay for a reason: It’ll please everyone in your crowd. Cutrer’s new owners, Duckhorn Vineyards, have kindly extended their very favorable pricing to us, so let’s celebrate. Get a case!