Welcome to November, friends. Today we share one of the electric newer wine brands on the West Coast. Chef Dustin Valette not only runs his namesake restaurant (https://www.valettehealdsburg.com/ 4.7 on Google!) but also curates a limited-production wine brand with bottlings made by some of the greatest talents in California wine: Jesse Katz, David Ramey and Tom Rochioli.
I have tasted several rounds of his wines. They are truly outstanding. Do not miss out on the 2010 Valette ‘Blanc de Noirs’ Champagne (OB, 94) which is dense and rich, as this spent a whopping 14 years en tirage. I love the 2023 Valette ‘Russian River Valley’ Chardonnay (OB, 94) which is a stunning Chardonnay by David Ramey. Here are my reviews of the new releases by Valette. Learn more at https://www.valettewines.com/
2010 Valette ‘Blanc de Noirs’ Champagne- A world-class Pinot Noir champagne from the 2010 vintage, the amazing ‘Blanc de Noirs’ comes from a 14-hectare parcel in Arrentières in the Aube department of Champagne. This beauty was aged on the lees lees from tirage in May 2011 until disgorgement in April 2025. It is golden in the glass, loaded with salty minerals and coming up fat, round and generous. Green apple and custard flavors combine with persimmon and ginger on the palate. This is just a joy to consume right now. Drink 2025-2033- 94
2023 Valette ‘Russian River Valley’ Chardonnay- A gorgeous wine made by famed winemaker David Ramey, the 2023 ‘Russian River Valley’ was stored in mostly neutral oak barrels before bottling. This comes off soft, mineral-laden and highly approachable. Crushed wet rock tones combine with yellow plum, juicy nectarine and kiwi flavors alongside hints of buttered French bread on the palate. A gorgeous rendition of Russian River Chardonnay, enjoy now and over the next eight plus years. Drink 2025-2033- 94
2023 Valette ‘Rochioli Vineyard’ Chardonnay- Made by eminent vintner Tom Rochioli, this 2023 Chardonnay comes from the River Block section of the Rochioli Estate vineyard in the center of the Russian River Valley. The wine was whole cluster pressed, and then aged in mainly neutral French oak barrels before bottling. This is rich and intense stuff, with heady orchard and citrus fruits, that combine with stony minerals and glorious length on the palate. Enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 95
2023 Valette ‘Russian River Valley’ Pinot Noir- This brilliant 2023 Pinot Noir comes from the talented hands of winemaker Michael Browne. The nose is dense and heady, with cola, cranberry and sassafras notes alongside shades of cherries jubilee.Plush and soft on the mouth, this is gorgeous texturally, with outstanding weight and length. Enjoy over the next fifteen years to come. Drink 2025-2040- 95