The marine influence that follows the Russian River inland from the Pacific coast is a powerful attribute of the Russian River Valley. The fog helps keep nights cool and offers vines a break from daytime temperatures. The famous Chardonnay vineyards that Kosta Browne works with for this wine are from the coolest parts of the Valley. Here, fruit is allowed a long maturation on the vine, which offers more intensely focused flavours and generous natural acidity.

Traditional and non-traditional techniques are used to make a consistently fresh and precise wine: Fermented by native yeast in new French oak, old foudres, and concrete, then matured for over a year in new and old French oak, stainless steel, and concrete.

The palate strikes a lovely balance between richness and bright acidity, with succulent orchard fruit flavours and a kiss of French oak carrying the wine to a long, shimmering finish.

“The 2021 Chardonnay One Sixteen, matured for 14 months in 34% new French oak, takes some time to shake off its youthful crème brûlée and allspice tones to reveal apricot, beeswax and honeysuckle aromas. The medium-bodied palate offers powerful fruit and oak spice and satisfying freshness to lift the finish.”
91 points, Erin Brooks, Wine Advocate, June 2023