When it comes to choosing wine, location matters. The climate, soils, and even proximity to the ocean or average days of sunshine all combine, lending that elusive sense of place to each bottle of wine. For Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Sonoma County and Russian River Valley AVAs (American Viticultural Areas) are considered some of the top growing regions in the world. While both regions are located in Sonoma County and share a reputation for producing stellar wines, there are notable differences in style and expression.
We make Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from both of these exceptional areas, and each wine has a distinct personality in your glass. Take a sip, and explore why each deserves a spot on your table.
Sonoma County
Sonoma County AVA is one of California’s most expansive and geographically diverse wine regions, reaching from the Pacific Ocean inland to the Napa County line. It borders Mendocino County to the north and Marin County to the south. Vineyards are planted on steep hillsides and flat plains, foggy valleys and sunny ridges. Each of these sites offers something unique to the finished wines, and our winemakers like to be able to select grapes for their specific flavor qualities – you can imagine it as choosing from different spices in a spice cabinet.
Our Raeburn Sonoma County Chardonnay is pure elegance, with complex fruit tones ranging from pear and Gravenstein apple to nectarine, all laced with a touch of vanilla and notes of creamy Crème Brûlée. It’s layered and balanced with an elegant finish. This is a wonderful wine with creamy pastas, seafood, or even grilled pizza.
With aromas of berry pie, lavender, and vanilla, Raeburn Sonoma County Pinot Noir is immediately intriguing. On the palate, expect flavors of lush wild blueberry, raspberry, and cherry flavors, with undertones of roasted hazelnut. The finish is graceful and sophisticated, capturing the essence of Sonoma County Pinot Noir. This is the ultimate food wine, pairing easily with nearly everything on the menu. We especially like it with roasted chicken or pork loin.
Sonoma County Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are both delicious, balanced, elegant wines that are lighter in body but full of flavor.
The Russian River Valley
A sub-region within the larger Sonoma Coast area, the Russian River Valley AVA follows the contours of the meandering Russian River. There’s a huge diversity in soil types, from loam to clay to fertile alluvial fans. The valley’s topography, with its gentle slopes and protected pockets, helps create microclimates that further influence the diversity and richness of the wines. The climate is characterized by a mix of cold morning fog and warm afternoons, conditions that are ideal for ripening and producing concentrated, flavorful wines.
Russian River Valley Chardonnay tends to be more lush, generous and fuller-bodied as compared to Sonoma Coast Chardonnays. Our Raeburn High Flier Russian River Chardonnay is a quintessential example, with its cool-climate character influenced by the maritime breeze from the Pacific Ocean and the Petaluma Gap. Hand-picked at dawn to preserve its bright fruit characteristics, this Chardonnay is aged for 11 months in oak barrels, imparting a rich complexity. We source these grapes from three different vineyards—including the Dow Vineyard on Laguna Road and the Duvander Vineyard near Chalk Hill— and the result is an elevated expression of Chardonnay that is supremely structured and balanced. Flavors of ripe peach, pear, and golden apple mingle with a striking minerality that highlights the Russian River Valley’s terroir.
The terms “elegance,” “finesse,” and “richness” are often used to describe Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley. The Raeburn High Flier Russian River Pinot Noir exhibits lovely fruit flavors, fresh acidity, and earthy notes, and the wine is structured and sensuous. We choose specific vineyards within the AVA, like Campobello and Owsley, and hand-picked the grapes in the cool early morning hours. The fruit undergoes meticulous vinification, including cold soaking and fermentation in small, open-top tanks. After 11 months in French oak (50% new), the result is classic Russian River Pinot, with bright red fruit flavors like cherry and raspberry, silky tannins, and a long finish.
The Russian River Valley wines are elevated expressions of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, exhibiting even more nuance and grace. They’re our go-to for special meals and gatherings.
A Final Sip
Whether you prefer the bright Chardonnays and quietly elegant Pinots of the Sonoma County or the richer, fuller-bodied expressions from the Russian River Valley, both regions offer something special for wine lovers. So, the next time you’re sipping on a glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Noir, take a moment to consider the region it came from. Whichever you choose, you’re in for a treat.