“It’s impressive.” – Jeb Dunnuck

Agreed, Jeb!

Grabbed enough of the Domaine de la Rivière Pinot? Good.

Here’s the Chardonnay from them that is begging to go along the ride.

As The Tasting Panel explains, “Domaine de la Rivière has been growing grapes in the RRV since 2011 and started making its own wines in 2017. With an annual production of just 1,000 cases as of 2022, it’s one of the smallest wineries in the RRV.”

The winemaker at de la Rivière is Kale Anderson. Before starting his own, and currently consulting for a few select wineries, he cut his teeth at Colgin, Terra Valentine, Cliff Lede, and Pahlmeyer where he obviously learned a thing or two about ultra-premium Chardonnay magic.”*

Planted entirely to the famed Montrachet clone, you may have seen the Flora Marie Vineyard on other sought-after labels, such as from Amici or Arista, but only a few know that it’s behind the enigmatic Chloe bottling from DuMol, too. Besides the raving review below, it was also selected for “100 most amazing Sonoma County wines” by Press Democrat, raving about this “floral Chardonnay that boasts spiced apple, peach and citrus flavors, gentle oak influence and crackling acidity.”

At peak maturity and firing on all cylinders, this beauty will continue to please well into this decade. It’s at that perfect juncture of rich, complex tertiary nuances harmonizing with bright citrus and stone fruits, with a nutty and spicy background providing depth on the shimmeringly protracted finish.

Only a few cases made, far less remaining… and what a bargain!

92+ Points – Jeb Dunnuck “Brioche, white flowers, honeysuckle, and ample stone fruits emerge from the 2019 Chardonnay Flora Marie Vineyard, a medium-bodied, nicely balanced, elegant Russian River Chardonnay. It shows the more mid-weight, forward style of the vintage, yet should keep for 4-5 years. It’s impressive. Drink 2021-2026.”