Read Holland 2023 Chardonnay Russian River Valley, Peugh Vineyard

The Wine

Why do we carry two Chardonnays from the same producer? For a fun study in contrast - the ability to showcase two very different styles of the same grape. By comparison to Ashley's Chardonnay from the Santa Cruz Mountains, which offers a taut, 'mineral-and-flint with citrus' personality, this wine brings a bigger fruit profile, notes of orchard-fruits (yellow apple, warm pears, lemon curd) and more chalk than flint. 

Peugh vineyard is one of the oldest in Sonoma County, planted in the 1940's. In contrast to the big-fruit, high-alcohol regions of Russian River Valley, this vineyard is in the cooler, Western side which enjoys late-morning fog that is blown off by shore breezes in the early afternoon, allowing nature time to prevent grape molds from being a problem. The oak notes here show a bit more pronounced creaminess, though they're still restrained and avoid the oakiness of producers who favor the vanilla and butter characteristics oak can deliver,  

Pairings: Chicken roasted with lemon, crab cakes with melted butter, seared scallops served over sweet potato puree or corn puree, roasted butternut squash with balsamic glaze and pomegranate seeds or a pork tenderloin roasted with apple and fennel! As for cheese, reach for our aged Gruyere or Goudas.   

The Winery

Read Holland winery gets its heart and soul from owner/winemaker Ashley Holland, whose approach is one of vineyard transparency and winemaking restraint. Her ethos includes native fermentations, gentle pressing (leaving the last bit of bitter juice out of the wine, despite the temptation to lower costs), the use of minimal new oak, and a commitment to letting each vineyard site to express itself through the wine. Her whites, like her Pinots, favor purity over embellishment—bright fruit, clean lines, and a quiet confidence that comes from thoughtful, small‑scale winemaking.