CHEV Chardonnay 2021
(Russian River Valley, California) - [DM 95] [JD 94] [WS 93] [JS 92]

At CHEV, we work hard to make delicious wines so you can slow down and savor life without distractions. Those magic moments when you gather ‘round the table or by the fire with great friends and family to eat, drink, and spark real connections. Just like we did in the good ‘ol days. And enhancing those good times is what drives and inspires us. Our flagship wines for CHEV are our Pinot Noir and Chardonnay which reign from the notable Russian River Valley, or “the Garden of Eden,” as our master craftsman Michael Browne calls it - where everything grows well. However, CHEV was born to reach regions beyond our own backyard.  With each season, our winemaker, Cabell Coursey and Michael seek new regions to craft delicious wines that embody the place and the unique terroir of the area.  

Fermentation: 7% concrete egg | 15% concrete amphora | 41% new French oak | 24% once filled French oak | 13% several times used French oak

Time in Barrel: 15 months| 41% new French oak |24% once used French oak | 13% several times used French oak |22% concrete vessel

Clones: Hudson Wente, Spring Mtn, Hyde Wente

TASTING NOTES:

Nose: Intoxicating aromas of fresh apricot, delicate white peach, and tropical lychee layered with soft white floral notes.

Mouth: Decadent flavors of juicy Asian pear, peach cobbler, and lemon curd. Savory and mouth-watering with a vibrant minerality and opulent texture that coat the palate with an attractive weight with a noticeable and elegant tannin structure.

Recommended Drinking Age: Ready to enjoy now, although will reach optimal expression in 1-3 years and cellar well over the next 5 years.

Ratings & Reviews

95 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"This wine displays a lemon-gold hue with green flecks. The aromatics are incredibly fresh, featuring wet river stones, exotic white floral notes, and freshly cut ginger. Medium- to full-bodied, it offers remarkable staying power with dense notes of lemon, lemon oil, and beautiful stony minerals, accompanied by subtle flinty undertones. The finish is long and layered, driven by acidity. The acidity rushes in after the creamy citrus fruit dissolves, leaving you with bright, spicy acid tension and a wealth of exotic baking spices and absolutely firing on all cylinders. The wine underwent fermentation in a combination of 7% concrete egg, 15% concrete amphora, 41% new French oak, 24% once-filled French oak, and 13% several-times-used French oak. It was then aged for 15 months in 41% new French oak, 24% once-used French oak, 13% several-times-used French oak, and 22% concrete vessels. CHEV is a project from Kosta Browne co-founder Michael Browne and his wife, Sarah Browne. The label was introduced in 2013, after they established CIRQ, focusing on Pinot Noir from their stunning 6-hectare estate and winery in the heart of the Russian River Valley. In 2024, Cabell Coursey joined the team to elevate their craft further." - Jonathan Cristaldi (Aug 2024)

94 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"Bright straw/yellow-colored, the 2021 Chardonnay Russian River Valley may be the best example of this wine to date. The nose is very nicely done, initially offering ripe fresh pineapple and lemon candy notes, but as it opens, it becomes more peppery, with a very pretty floral note and hint of orange creamsicle on the back palate. Long on the palate, it's showing very, very well now and is going to drink well over the coming 6-8 years. (Drink between 2024-2032)." (Jun 2024)

93 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Aromatic and wonderfully supple, showing pineapple, mango and lemon curd flavors at the core, with details of orange blossom and salted caramel, plus a touch of crème brûlée. Offers a fresh thread of acidity and a candied ginger detail on the finish. Drink now through 2033." - MaryAnn Woriobiec (Jun 2024)

92 Points - James Suckling:
"Light and subtle aromatics lead to a lacy, elegant texture and beautiful, creamy, subtle fruits, vanilla bean and baking spices. Fermented in a variety of containers, such as French barrels, amphorae and a concrete egg. Full-bodied yet not full-blown, it shows restraint but richness and depth. Drink now or hold."  (Nov 2023)

91 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2021 Chardonnay (Russian River Valley) is terrific. Brisk and inviting, the 2021 offers up hints of yellow stone fruit, flowers and chamomile. Light tropical accents lift the finish nicely. This is a very pretty, delicate Russian River Chardonnay. (Drink between 2024-2029)." - Antonio Galloni (Jan 2024)