Sonoma-Cutrer

Russian River Ranches Chardonnay

8.9650 ratings
8.721 pro ratings
Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, USA
Chardonnay
Duck, Shellfish, Goose, Mushrooms, Manchego & Parmesan, Game, Pork, Squash & Root Vegetables, Chicken, Turkey, Cheddar & Gruyere, Meaty & Oily Fish, White Fish, Shellfish, Crab & Lobster, Cream Sauces
Top Notes For
Randy Fuller

This wine is straw yellow in color. Its nose gives aromas of pear and apple, with lemon coming in behind. There is a hint of oak in the bouquet. The palate brings the citrus minerality to the forefront to play with the fruit flavors. Acidity is bright, but not overpowering. The wine finishes a bit oakier than the nose would have suggested, but it is a pleasurable hit of oak spice. I paired mine with buttery potato pierogies and a carrot risotto dish, and was quite pleased.

This wine is straw yellow in color. Its nose gives aromas of pear and apple, with lemon coming in behind. There is a hint of oak in the bouquet. The palate brings the citrus minerality to the forefront to play with the fruit flavors. Acidity is bright, but not overpowering. The wine finishes a bit oakier than the nose would have suggested, but it is a pleasurable hit of oak spice. I paired mine with buttery potato pierogies and a carrot risotto dish, and was quite pleased.

Oct 23rd, 2024
Sipping Fine Wine

Sonoma-Cutrer vineyards was founded in 1973 by Brice Cutrer Jones, but sold out to a big wine house, it hits or missed on the quality. The 2022 is much better than some prior vintages, pale lemon color with aromas of stone and citrus fruits with light floral scents. On the palate flavors of apples, pear and lemon citrus zest with oak and spice. Medium+ finish, ending with a slight citrus mineral character.

Sonoma-Cutrer vineyards was founded in 1973 by Brice Cutrer Jones, but sold out to a big wine house, it hits or missed on the quality. The 2022 is much better than some prior vintages, pale lemon color with aromas of stone and citrus fruits with light floral scents. On the palate flavors of apples, pear and lemon citrus zest with oak and spice. Medium+ finish, ending with a slight citrus mineral character.

Oct 9th, 2023
Sipping Fine Wine

Sonoma-Cutrer vineyards was founded in 1973 by Brice Cutrer Jones, but sold out to a big wine house, it hits or missed on the quality. The 2021 is much better than some prior vintages, pale lemon color with aromas of stone and citrus fruits with light floral scents. On the palate flavors of apples, pear and lemon citrus zest with oak and spice. Medium+ finish, ending with a slight citrus mineral character.

Sonoma-Cutrer vineyards was founded in 1973 by Brice Cutrer Jones, but sold out to a big wine house, it hits or missed on the quality. The 2021 is much better than some prior vintages, pale lemon color with aromas of stone and citrus fruits with light floral scents. On the palate flavors of apples, pear and lemon citrus zest with oak and spice. Medium+ finish, ending with a slight citrus mineral character.

Jul 18th, 2023
Sipping Fine Wine

Sonoma-Cutrer vineyards was founded in 1973 by Brice Cutrer Jones, but sold out to a big wine house, now, in my opinion, its hit or miss on the quality. The 2020 is much better than prior vintages, pale lemon color with aromas of stone and citrus fruits with floral scents. On the palate flavors of Granny Smith Apples, pear and lemon citrus with vanilla oak and spice. Medium+ finish, ending with a slight toasty citrus mineral character.

Sonoma-Cutrer vineyards was founded in 1973 by Brice Cutrer Jones, but sold out to a big wine house, now, in my opinion, its hit or miss on the quality. The 2020 is much better than prior vintages, pale lemon color with aromas of stone and citrus fruits with floral scents. On the palate flavors of Granny Smith Apples, pear and lemon citrus with vanilla oak and spice. Medium+ finish, ending with a slight toasty citrus mineral character.

Oct 11th, 2022
Sipping Fine Wine

Sonoma-Cutrer vineyards was founded in 1973 by Brice Cutrer Jones, but sold out to a big wine house, now, in my opinion, its hit or miss on the quality. So far the 2015 RRR was a bit of a disappointment, but the 2016 was much improved. Stone fruit aromas with floral scents. Apple, peach and pear flavors with vanilla oak spice, a hint of citrus. Medium finish, ending toasty with mineral character.

Sonoma-Cutrer vineyards was founded in 1973 by Brice Cutrer Jones, but sold out to a big wine house, now, in my opinion, its hit or miss on the quality. So far the 2015 RRR was a bit of a disappointment, but the 2016 was much improved. Stone fruit aromas with floral scents. Apple, peach and pear flavors with vanilla oak spice, a hint of citrus. Medium finish, ending toasty with mineral character.

Apr 2nd, 2018
Sipping Fine Wine

Sonoma-Cutrer vineyards was founded in 1973 by Brice Cutrer Jones, but sold out to a big wine house, now, in my opinion, its hit or miss on the quality. So far the 2015 RRR was a bit of a disappointment. Basis stone fruit aromas with oaky scents. Apple and pear flavors with vanilla oak spice, a bit acidic. Medium finish, ending with toasty notes, nothing special.

Sonoma-Cutrer vineyards was founded in 1973 by Brice Cutrer Jones, but sold out to a big wine house, now, in my opinion, its hit or miss on the quality. So far the 2015 RRR was a bit of a disappointment. Basis stone fruit aromas with oaky scents. Apple and pear flavors with vanilla oak spice, a bit acidic. Medium finish, ending with toasty notes, nothing special.

Jul 30th, 2017
Jason Schick

Not too butttery. Not too oaky. Well balanced Chardonnay.

Not too butttery. Not too oaky. Well balanced Chardonnay.

1 person found it helpfulMay 27th, 2018
Sean Grullon

Solid Chardonnay. New world in style, buttery, but good acidity brings it into balance. Some tropical fruits as well.

Solid Chardonnay. New world in style, buttery, but good acidity brings it into balance. Some tropical fruits as well.

1 person found it helpfulAug 12th, 2017
Adam Welch

One of the best Chardonnays that I've ever had. Don't make your judgement from the first sip. Instead, wait until it opens up with your meal. You're sure to be delighted!

One of the best Chardonnays that I've ever had. Don't make your judgement from the first sip. Instead, wait until it opens up with your meal. You're sure to be delighted!

1 person found it helpfulDec 26th, 2016
Vinny Brooklyn

Vinny had this 9 years ago

Vinny had this 9 years ago

1 person found it helpfulMay 24th, 2016