The 2021 Convene Russian River Valley Chardonnay is a beautifully balanced, Burgundian-inspired Chardonnay from Dan Kosta, co-founder of the legendary Kosta Browne winery. Sourced from premier Russian River Valley vineyards including Bucher Home Ranch, Bucher Rudd, Pratt-Irwin, and Stilling, the wine is crafted to showcase richness without excess. It underwent 14 months of aging in 40% new French oak with extended lees contact and partial malolactic fermentation, creating a wine that combines luxurious texture with vibrant acidity.
Vintage Overview
The 2021 vintage in Russian River Valley benefited from a warm, dry growing season that produced concentrated fruit while the region's cool Pacific fog preserved freshness and natural acidity. The result is a Chardonnay with remarkable intensity, balance, and aging potential.
Tasting Notes
Appearance
- Pale straw with golden highlights
Nose
Elegant aromas of:
- Bartlett pear
- Green apple
- Pineapple
- Meyer lemon
- Hazelnut
- Coconut shavings
- Nutmeg
- White flowers
- Vanilla bean
- Toasted brioche
Palate
Medium- to full-bodied with flavors of:
- Poached pear
- White peach
- Pineapple
- Green apple
- Crème brûlée
- Vanilla bean
- Lemon curd
- Toasted almond
- Butterscotch
- Salty minerality
A creamy, layered mouthfeel is balanced by bright acidity, leading to a long finish marked by citrus, pastry, and mineral tension.
Structure
- Body: Medium to Full
- Acidity: Medium+
- Alcohol: 14.1%
- Oak: 14 months in 40% new French oak
- Finish: Long, rich, and vibrant
Professional Ratings
| Critic |
Rating |
Comments |
| Wine Enthusiast |
94 |
Praised its harmonious blend of butter, toast, spice, and concentrated pear and peach fruit with excellent balance. |
| Decanter (Jonathan Cristaldi) |
94 |
Highlighted butterscotch, brioche, Meyer lemon, apricot, white peach, Marcona almond, and vibrant mineral tension. |
| Wine Spectator |
93 |
Noted peach, pear, tangerine, salted butter, pastry cream, and impressive length with refined elegance. |
Drinking Window
Drinking beautifully now, the 2021 Convene Chardonnay will continue to evolve through 2038, developing greater complexity with notes of toasted hazelnut, honey, brioche, and baked apple.
Food Pairings
- Butter-poached lobster
- Seared scallops
- Halibut with beurre blanc
- Roast chicken
- Chicken Marsala
- Mushroom risotto
- Triple-cream Brie
- Comté
- Lobster mac and cheese
Sommelier's Perspective
The 2021 Convene Chardonnay exemplifies the modern Russian River Valley style—rich and expressive without sacrificing precision. Layers of Bartlett pear, white peach, pineapple, crème brûlée, toasted brioche, hazelnut, and Meyer lemon are framed by vibrant acidity and a lingering mineral finish. Inspired by the great white Burgundies yet unmistakably Californian, it offers exceptional depth and elegance. With 94 points from both Wine Enthusiast and Decanter and 93 points from Wine Spectator, it stands among the finest Russian River Chardonnays of the vintage.
Our founder Dan Kosta and winemaker Shane Finley have collaborated on wines of distinction for over fifteen years. On their quest of crafting exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay blends from California’s premier winegrowing regions, Convene is the ultimate expression.
From the Sonoma Coast to Russian River Valley, these wines comprise the best vineyards within each appellation. The result is a diverse, yet quintessential portfolio of wines, curated by some of the wine industry’s most discerning palates.
