Rich enough to satisfy. Fresh enough to keep you coming back.
There’s a style of California Chardonnay we’re always happy to find: one with enough richness to remind you it’s Chardonnay, but enough acidity, minerality and restraint to keep you coming back for another glass. The 2023 Bravium Anderson Valley Chardonnay does exactly that.
Bravium is the project of winemaker Derek Rohlffs, whose approach is refreshingly simple: don’t overwork the wine and let the vineyard speak. The name Bravium comes from Latin, meaning “prize, reward or gift,” which feels especially fitting for a wine that has earned this kind of praise.
The fruit comes from Valley Foothills Vineyard, a family-owned site in Anderson Valley where the cool climate allows Chardonnay to ripen slowly while holding onto its natural acidity. That balance really comes through in the glass.
Wine Enthusiast found Golden Delicious apple, Anjou pear, citrus, white nectarine and orange, while James Suckling noted stone fruit, wet stone, peach and citrus peel. Decanter picked up ripe pear, grilled lemon, toasted almond and yellow apple.
What we like most is how all of that comes together. There is ripe orchard fruit and a slight creamy texture, but it never feels heavy. Bright citrus, stony minerality and fresh acidity keep everything lifted and give the wine polished verve.
2023 Bravium Chardonnay, Anderson Valley
94 Points, Wine Enthusiast
93 Points, James Suckling
92 Points, Decanter
13.5% ABV
Drink Now–2030
Pair With: Roasted Chicken & Buttery Mash or Buttered Popcorn on the Couch
This is exactly the kind of bottle we’d open with a simple roast chicken with lemon, garlic and herbs, especially with buttery mashed potatoes on the side. The wine has enough texture for the roasted chicken and crisp skin, while the acidity keeps everything bright. It would play equally well with crab cakes, seared scallops, roasted salmon, or lobster with drawn butter. If cooking is out the window, a big bowl of buttery popcorn and a full glass of Bravium, could be just what the doctor ordered.
For anyone who loves Chardonnay but prefers freshness and minerality alongside the richness, this is a very easy bottle for us to recommend, and this price won’t last long.
Order through September 28, 2026.