Wine Of The Week: Gary Farrell Russian River Chardonnay

This standout California chardonnay is lush, opulent, and refreshing.

You’ll be hard pressed to find a wine with this value coming out of California — winemaker Theresa Heredia of Gary Farrell has serious finesse when it comes to cool climate pinot noirs and chardonnay. That’s exemplified in this rich, golden, and vibrant chardonnay.

The grapes are harvested from the Russian River’s top vineyards to make a creamy, complex chardonnay with notes of lemongrass, brioche, and nectarine.
Refreshing but elegant and complex, with a long, oily finish and a subtle Burgundy-ish saline quality. Whip it out for fresh spring pastas and date nights, or squirrel a few away in your cellar — future you will thank you. $35

Kate Dingwall is a WSET-trained sommelier and seasoned spirits writer. Her work has appeared in Wine Enthusiast, Eater, Forbes.com, and others, and she pours wine at one of Canada’s top restaurants.