Ron Rubin Wines

Late in 2011, in fulfillment of a 40-year dream that began in his student days at UC Davis studying viticulture and enology in the early 1970’s, he purchased River Road Family Vineyards and Winery. Rubin was sold on the area, in the Green Valley AVA, a sub-zone of Russian River Valley, because it is cool and foggy, thanks to the Petaluma Gap, and has distinctive low-fertility and well-drained sandy loam Goldridge soils.

A vintner and self-styled “beverage guy,” Ron Rubin’s intent is to make affordable and accessible wines (a perfect fit for Behind the Cork™!), all-round “beautiful experiences” (a favorite expression of his), i.e. Sonoma wines to be consumed and enjoyed. The prospect of making high-priced, super-limited-production, hard-to-find wines is not what makes Rubin tick. For you and me, that translates into beautiful wines you can feel good about buying.

Ron Rubin Russian River Pinot Noir ($25)

Before I get started on this one, I must confess that Russian River Pinot Noir is a favorite of mine. This one is a beautiful pale ruby in color, with the classic aroma of red fruits (cherry, cranberry, raspberry). It was cold-soaked for 5-days. It was then fermented, pressed and aged in 100% French Oak barrels, 20% new, for a total of 10 months. The result is true to Russian River Pinot’s with that wonderful cherry, raspberry and cranberry flavor, easy tannins and a wonderful finish with hints of vanilla.

Pam’s Un-Oaked Chardonnay ($14)

Made for Ron Rubin’s wife, Pam, who admits she doesn’t like most Chardonnays. Per her preference, this Chardonnay is crisp, light, with a touch of sweetness and easy to enjoy. It’s golden in color with aromas of ripe apple and hints of tropical fruit. It is very smooth and light, with flavor of ripe pear.

The Ron Rubin Winery is SIP-certified (Sustainability in Practice -- the gold standard for sustainable vineyard, winery and wine certification), and Certified Sustainable by the California Sustainable Wine growing Alliance.

These are both very enjoyable and affordable wines. Enjoy. Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received these samples at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Samples Provided by Creative Palate Communications