2014 Pellegrini Chardonnay Olivet Lane Vineyard Russian River Valley

Balancing sunlit fruits with nut, cream, and honeysuckle

2014 Pellegrini Wine Company Chardonnay Olivet Lane Vineyard Russian River Valley, Sonoma County

Olivet Lane is a storied vineyard, one of the oldest in Russian River Valley, and the fruit finds its way into offerings from Gary Farrell, Merry Edwards, and others. Pellegrini’s winemaker Lynn Krausmann handles it gently and treats it to 16 months in French oak, one-third new.

It’s a lovely, lively bright yellow color with amber glints, and the wine seems to balance sunlit fruits with nut, cream, and light honey or honeysuckle. It’s velvety textured, but its acidity forms a pliant architecture, and the barrel spice hovers in a note of toasted almond. The finish feels languorous and creamy.

A big wine but with nimble hands. Serve it with delicate seafood, poultry, and young cheese dishes.

14.2% abv | $45 (sample)

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