Bravium Russian River Chardonnay 2024 750ml

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2024

The Wine Enthusiast by Tom R. Capo writes 91 Points | The nose of this Chard is loaded with floral aromas, swirling with chalky minerality, pithy lemon, and pineapple. The palate is driven by lively acid, with flavors of fresh pear, tropical citrus, white flowers, and ginger that ebb and flow through the finale. There's great value here. 

Winemaker Description 

This bright and balanced wine perfectly reflects the cool-climate Russian River Valley vineyards where it was grown. Brilliant medium-gold color, with honey, pear, apple, pineapple, lemon oil, and white flowers aromas, and a judicious framing of vanillin oak. The wine opens with crisp pineapple and mango fruit flavors that turn into apple pastry on the full-bodied mid-palate.

A finely-textured, invigorating mouthfeel, with medium acidity, turns into saline minerality on the lively and bouncy finish of this delicious Chardonnay. Pairs perfectly with oyster po' boys with fennel, apple, and celery root slaw and chunky corn, bacon, and cauliflower chowder.

Memo Summary Notes

The 2024 Bravium Russian River Valley Chardonnay is a textbook example of cool-climate Sonoma winemaking that balances California richness with crisp, coastal acidity.

This vintage is particularly notable for its "lush yet structured" profile, sourced primarily from the Plumis Vineyard near Forestville, where the morning fog helps preserve the grape's natural brightness.

This is a "gastronomic" Chardonnay, meaning it has the weight to stand up to substantial dishes:

• Seafood: Grilled salmon with lemon butter or Dungeness crab cakes.

• Creamy Dishes: Mushroom risotto or fettuccine Alfredo.

• Cheese: Aged Gouda or a creamy Brie.