Raeburn Russian River Valley Chardonnay (75cl, 14.5%)

A 100% Chardonnay from Sonoma County's Russian River Valley, bottled at 14.5% ABV in a 750ml format. Raeburn Winery sources its Chardonnay fruit from the Russian River Valley, where cool maritime fog preserves acidity while allowing full flavour development. Whole clusters are pressed, then approximately 75% of the juice undergoes barrel fermentation with malolactic conversion in 50% new French and Hungarian oak, while the remaining 25% ferments in stainless steel. The barrel-fermented portion ages six months sur lie before blending. The nose shows honeysuckle, baked yellow apple, ripe pear, vanilla cream and baking spice. The palate is generous with Gravenstein apple and nectarine, with crème brûlée sweetness, jasmine-like florals, lemon sorbet brightness and creamy texture. The finish is medium in length with a toasty, slightly caramelised character and lingering vanilla and stone fruit.