Chattan Groom Russian River Valley Reformation Red 2019
What the critics think
Silver Winner
San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition 2021
What the critics think
Silver Winner
San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition 2021
About the wine
Refined, barrel-aged Russian River Valley red from Sonoma's top winemaking duo
- Ondine and Daryl’s Sonoma red blend is a mouthful of dark fruits like juicy plum and blueberry from a rich core of Syrah, backed by a savory touch of spice from a bit of Petite Sirah and a light fruity layer of Mourvedre, capped by a long, refined finish.
- Your funding helped winemakers and fast friends Ondine Chattan and Daryl Groom channel their combined 50+ years of expertise into this epic red blend from Sonoma’s revered Russian River Valley and barrel-age it in French oak for an unmatched elegance.
- Ondine and Daryl make some of Angels’ top Pinots and Chardonnays from the Russian River Valley – now you’ve helped them come together for a must-try red blend that could only exist here. Bring home a bottle (or several) and try it for yourself!
Best before
The intent in crafting this blend was for it to be enjoyable young, so long-term aging is not necessary. However, a little aging will help mellow the structure and soften the wine. To best enjoy the fruit components it is best to drink it in the first 4 years after purchase, as extended aging will cause the earthy components to take centerstage and somewhat mute the fruit.
Serving advice
A little breathing time will bring out the best in this wine. Decanting is a good quick way to get some aeration, as is a vigorous swirling of the wine in a glass. If you have the patience to wait, pull the cork 20 to 30 minutes prior to serving or pour into glasses 10 minutes before serving.
Food match
Recipes that include sheep's milk cheese or goat cheese make for particularly exciting pairings with Syrah-based blends. I enjoy a simple crostini spread with goat cheese (try Laura Chenel) topped with a sun-dried tomato, a drizzle of olive oil, a sprig of rosemary, and a crack of pepper to accompany this wine - the combination hits on all the flavors in the wine. For a more complete meal try stir-fried pork with nori flakes as it will play well with the fruit/savory/herb notes of the wine. For indulgent comfort food French Onion Soup with a thick baked crust of Gruyere can't be beat. In warmer months I find that meals including red cabbage make for a lively pairing - slaw-type salads (no mayonnaise) even tacos (simple, tortilla, cabbage, meat, no salsa) also make for fun.
Contains sulphites
Always check the label
USA
Russian River Valley (Sonoma County)
Red Blend
Smooth Red
14.5% ABV
750ml
Wine profile
Meet the winemaker - Ondine Chattan
Unmistakably one of the North Coast’s top winemaking talents, Ondine Chattan’s worked for wine institutions – famed wineries like Ridge Vineyards, Cline Cellars, and spent decades running famed Healdsburg winery Geyser Peak.
Does Geyser Peak sound familiar? It should – it’s the long-time winemaking home of one legendary Daryl Groom – and it’s where these decades-long colleagues and friends met. They’re still close… in fact, they might collaborate on exclusive wines now and again.*wink.*
Ondine is awestruck by the wine community Angels have built – and she wants to help it grow. “I truly connect to people through the wines I make,” she said. “The stories of the growers, the vineyards, and the process behind the wine are as vital to me as grapes.”
Ratings
67,071
Followers
15,842
