"russian river valley" news and stories

Chardonnay is a very versatile grape, growing well in regions ranging from warmer climates, like those of Australia, to the cooler Russian River Valley in Sonoma. Chardonnay is believed to trace back to the Burgundy region of France, where it remains the dominant white-wine grape, and the second most widely planted grape in the country.

Relatively easy to grow and a top pick for many palates, Chardonnay can be laced with tropical-fruit notes (as with New World Chardonnay) or minerals (more so with Chablis), depending on where it's grown. Even within the state of California are varied tastes, from Sonoma in the North to the Santa Rita Hills area along the Central Coast.

Here are five Chardonnays I've recently sipped and enjoyed. And at a price point of under $12, they keep in line with any New Year's resolutions to save money.

Three old-school wineries in the Russian River Valley, Rochioli Vineyards & Winery, Williams Selyem Winery and Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery, show the rest how Pinot Noir is done.

In keeping with the theme, the Wine Selection of the Week is Pinot Noir, these 38 bottles from the Santa Lucia Highlands. The highest rated bottles of the group were 2005 Hayman & Hill Reserve Selection No. 41 Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir ($14) and 2004 Miner Rosella's Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir ($50), both which received three out of four stars (***).

A recipe for Spiced Lamb Kebabs pairs well with Pinot Noir, and the Cheese of the Week is Chevrot, a traditional goat cheese from France.

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