Valravn Sonoma County Chardonnay 2023

Valravn is the creation of the winemakers and entrepreneurs behind Sonomas wildly successful Banshee label. The Valravn wines take advantage of access to select plots of older vines and employ judicious use of oak to produce lively, balanced wines. This classic New World chardonnay comes from hand-harvested grapes from two Sonoma Coast AVA vineyards, one in the cold coastal area of the Sonoma Coast and the other at the eastern end of the Petaluma Wind Gap. The wine was fermented in barrel and saw spontaneous malolactic fermentation. Aging took place over 10 months in French oak barrels (30% new), with occasional lees stirring.

While unmistakably rich in character, this chardonnay deftly balances deep barrel-fermented fruit with a lively, palate-cleansing freshness. Luscious flavors of golden orchard fruit, ripe pineapple, and a squeeze of Meyer lemon meet high-toned acidity, with a delightfully briny, savory finish, accented with warm hints of toasted hazelnut and marzipan.