Our Wines
RUSSELL, RABBIT RIDGE, AND PASSIONE DIVINA BY
ERICH AND JOANNE RUSSELL
2023 JOJO CHARDONNAY RUSSELL
2023 JOJO CHARDONNAY 750ml $30
Cienega Valley, CA
100% Chardonnay
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Read Erich's personal notes on JOJO here
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This is our finest Reserve Chardonnay and is very special. The Passione Divina JOJO is full-bodied, rich, and elegant. The grapes were harvested from an organic, dry-farmed, old-vine hillside vineyard at 1100-foot elevation in the Pinnacles Mountain Range of California. This area is well known as one of California's wine-growing regions. The grapes were fermented with only the natural indigenous yeast from the grapes. This wine also underwent secondary malolactic fermentation to enhance complexity and richness, and was gently pressed into 100% French oak barrels, 25% of which were new oak. ​​​​​​​​​​
2023 RABBIT RIDGE ZINFANDEL
2023 RABBIT RIDGE ZINFANDEL 750ml $25
Napa Valley, CA
100% Zinfandel
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​Our Rabbit Ridge Zinfandel is medium-bodied with fresh fruit aromas that open to layered plum and spice nuances. The tannins are appealingly soft and round with enough acidity for cleanliness. A touch of soft oak carries through the balanced finish. This is a very special Zinfandel, not only because the grapes were harvested from the famed Napa Valley, but also because it is the first Zin the Russells have made since re-acquiring their beloved Rabbit Ridge label. The last vintage produced was 2019.​​​​
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2023 RABBIT RIDGE ZINFANDEL
2023 RABBIT RIDGE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 750ml $25
Sonoma County, CA
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
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​The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma Valley presents a refined yet accessible profile, showcasing the region’s hallmark elegance. Displaying a vibrant ruby color, this wine offers an inviting bouquet of blackberry, cassis, and subtle vanilla notes, accented by a touch of dried herbs. On the palate, it reveals a well-balanced structure with velvety tannins, delivering concentrated flavors of dark cherry, blackcurrant, and a hint of oak. Its medium-bodied character and smooth finish make it an excellent companion for roasted meats or aged cheeses, embodying the sophisticated charm of Sonoma Valley’s terroir.​​​​​​​​​
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2023 O.V.Z. ZINFANDEL RUSSELL
2022 O.V.Z. ZINFANDEL 750ml $40
Cienega Valley, CA
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This very special Zinfandel is made from grapes grown on an old-vine, dry farmed vineyard at 1100 foot elevation in the Pinnacles region of California. This area is well known as one of California’s premier wine growing regions. The grapes were fermented with only the natural indigenous yeast from the grapes. The wine is unfiltered and aged 15 months in 100% French oak barrels for structure and body.
2022 CABERNET SAUVIGNON RUSSELL
2022 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 750ml $45
Napa Valley, CA
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Our Russell Cabernet Sauvignon is made from grapes harvested in the famed Napa Valley. The wine is medium-bodied and polished with layers of concentrated ripe fruit and herbaceous notes. The balance is remarkable, starting with an amazing mouth-feel from extended barrel aging that moves into an unforgettable lingering finish. ​​​​​​​​​
2020 RETRO (100% PASO ROBLES)
2020 RETRO 750ml $48
Paso Robles, Willow Creek District
Cabernet Sauvignon 43%, Petit Verdot 36%, Syrah 21%
Our 2020 Grand Reserve Retro is the second bottling made 100% by Erich Russell from Paso Robles. The 2013 was the first bottling and was created to commemorate 35 years of Erich’s winemaking success. The 2013 Retro was labeled in a watercolor copy by Joanne’s artist mother and was made from a blend of Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah. The 2020 vintage Retro is made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Syrah, and bottled in the Russell’s new Passione Divina label.
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"Just now enjoying a glass or three of Retro! It’s such a fine blend that it made me want to jot a note! "KS
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2025 ROSATO GRENACHE ROSE'
PRE-ORDER NOW FOR 2025 VINTAGE
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2025 Russell Grenache/Mourvedré Rosé (Dry, not sweet) 750ml $18
Blend of Grenache and Mourvedré
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We wanted to provide an update on the 2025 Rosato Rosé. Due to the extended cool growing season in California, the grapes were harvested late in the year, with the old-vine Mourvèdre being picked just before a significant rain event. As a result of this delayed harvest, both the Grenache and Mourvèdre components are still undergoing malolactic fermentation and remain in barrel. Therefore, bottling will be delayed a bit longer.
The California Mountains have experienced an unusually cold winter with low temperatures and substantial rainfall, which has slowed the malolactic process. Given the late timing of the Mourvèdre harvest, warmer spring conditions may be required to complete fermentation, as cellar temperatures were notably cool at the time of picking. This behavior is characteristic of the Mourvèdre variety and mirrors the production of Bandol Rosés in France, which are typically among the last wines to be bottled. The extended barrel aging contributes to greater complexity in the final wine.
We are encouraged by the current barrel samples, which promise further improvement upon completion of malolactic fermentation. Our aim is to produce a wine in the style of Domaine Tempier, and this may represent a unique opportunity to incorporate Mourvèdre from vines planted before 1900 into a Rosé. Notably, red wines produced from these same grapes by another winery retail for over $75 per bottle.
Notes on the 2024:
Russell Rosato presents a delicate pale pink hue, indicative of its gentle extraction process. On the nose, it offers an inviting bouquet of fresh strawberries, cherries, and subtle floral notes, particularly rose petals. These aromas are complemented by a hint of Mediterranean herbs, adding complexity to the profile.
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On the palate, the wine is lively and refreshing, with a pleasant acidity that balances the richness of the red fruit flavors. Notes of cherry, strawberry, and raspberry dominate, with a slight hint of orange blossom adding depth. The texture is smooth, making each sip enjoyable and inviting. The finish is clean and persistent, with echoes of fruit and floral notes that invite another sip.
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The 2024 vintage benefited from favorable weather conditions, resulting in grapes with optimal ripeness and balanced acidity. This vintage is particularly noted for its vibrant fruit expression and crisp finish. While enjoyable in its youth, this rosato also has the potential to develop additional complexity over the next 1-2 years.
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Professional reviews have praised the Passione Divina Rosato for its elegance and balance. Critics highlight its harmonious blend of fruit and acidity, making it a versatile wine suitable for various occasions. Its approachable style and depth of flavor have earned it commendable ratings in the rosé category.
2019 DANI (SUPER-TUSCAN)
2019 DANI Magnums only1500ml) $50
750ml SOLD OUT
80% is a blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Merlot from Paso Robles. 20% Chianti from Tuscany (Italy)
This is our current Super-Tuscan now that the original 2017 is sold out. Dani is 80% Paso Robles Bordeaux varietals and 20% Sangiovese from Italy. The Bordeaux varietals are the same ones Erich currently uses in his best wines - Seventy and Reflexion. The Paso Robles wines will have been aged for 22 months in 100% brand-new French oak. The Sangiovese was fermented and aged in the cellars of the Italian grape grower.
"Dani is delicious!" JG
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RUSSELL SANGIOVESE (100% CALI FRUIT)
SOLD OUT!
2022 RUSSELL SANGIOVESE $25
Cienega Valley, CA
100% Sangiovese
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The vineyard comprises decomposed Granite and Limestone at 1100 feet in the Gabilan Range. This region has moderate temperatures, which allows for a long growing season. As with all wine, “it is made in the vineyard.”
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Lively aromas open to layers of cherry blossoms, followed by a pretty floral expression of red rose. Our 2022 Sangiovese is full-bodied and backed by a subtle herbaceous component that balances an abundance of fruit. This is a memorable wine with a tantalizing mouth feel and a smooth, lingering finish.
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