If you’re looking for easy-drinking and affordable wines for summertime, Ron Rubin Wines occupy that intersection of flavorful California classics, made in a lighter, fun style.  Appealing and value-priced, these three wines offer quality and enjoyment, perfect for small gatherings or your own daily consumption.

Ron Rubin, Courtesy of Ron Rubin Wines

Ron Rubin Winery, Courtesy of Ron Rubin Wines

Ron Rubin, known as the “beverage guy”, comes from a lifetime immersed in liquor, sparkling water, tea, and now his own wine.  Growing up in his family’s wholesale liquor business, Rubin went on to study wine at UC Davis, and after graduation, expanded the family business into California wine.  Branching out into his own beverage empire through Clearly Canadian Sparkling Water and The Republic of Tea, Rubin returned to his wine roots in 2011.  He purchased a Sonoma County winery in the Green Valley AVA of the Russian River Valley, and set about producing two brands, the Ron Rubin Wines and the River Road collection.  For his namesake wines, Rubin focused on producing affordable, accessible and “beautiful experiences” (one of his favorite expressions).

Ron Rubin Winery & Vineyard, Courtesy of Ron Rubin Wines

Green Valley benefits from the cool breezes and morning fog that rolls in from the Pacific Ocean through the Petaluma Gap, and the warm sun that breaks through mid-day, consequently a perfect spot for growing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.  Known for its Goldridge soil, a sandy loam that imparts deep color to Pinot Noir, and a climate that yields riper and more lush wines, the 9 acres that Rubin bought were a perfect candidate for sustainable farming.  Certified Sustainable and SIP (Sustainability in Practice), Ron Rubin Wines practice everything from cover crops, solar energy, wildlife corridors, filtered winery water, and investing in their workers with good wages, medical insurance and education.

Ron Rubin Winery, Courtesy of Ron Rubin Wines

In addition to the estate fruit, Rubin buys fruit from other local growers, allowing him and winemaker Joe Freeman to blend many different vineyards for complexity, achieving a style of wine that consumers can count on.  These juicy, easy-drinking wines offer classic aromas and flavors.

I had the opportunity to sample the Ron Rubin Dream Series, three wines that comprise his signature collection of classic California Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines.  Refreshing and friendly, they embody the ripe fruit that California gives, bright with varietal essence, while two of them reflect a light touch of oak, donating spice and structure to the wines.

Pam’s UN-Oaked Chardonnay 2018 (SRP $14) - Rubin’s wife, Pam, was the inspiration for this lightly spritzy summer wine.  Low alcohol and no oak, this light-bodied wine opens with ripe fruit (Asian Pear, Golden Apple, tangerine and key lime), fresh and crisp, and a touch of effervescence.  Using German Riesling as a guide for crafting a lower-alcohol, off-dry, intensely fruity wine, Rubin and Freeman strived to keep the balance in the wine, finding the perfect trifecta of alcohol, acid and sugar.  Chardonnay clusters from family-owned vineyards across several counties were pressed into stainless steel tanks, cold-fermented to keep its freshness, and bottled young to capture that spritz.  Serve cold, and the aromas and flavors burst out of the glass, delightful and delicious, perfect for the heat of Summer.

Ron Rubin Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2018 (SRP $20)  - a blend of estate and other grower fruit, plus a mix of clones, this Chardonnay is soft and fruit forward, with classic aromas and flavors of apple, pear, spice, oak and buttery notes.  Although it has a creamy mouthfeel, there is an underlying spine of acidity that keeps the wine fresh, popping out in the citrus notes on the palate.  Hand-picked fruit, whole cluster pressed,  fermentation with six months of French and American oak barrel aging, and another six months of time in the bottle, this gentle expression of Chardonnay is perfect for summer dining, whether it be a salad, light pasta or risotto, and hard cheeses.

Ron Rubin Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2017 (SRP $25) - bright red berry fruit (cherry, cranberry, and raspberry), accented with fennel and spice, makes for a smooth and mouth-filling experience.  The ripe fruit, framed by gentle oak, is kept balanced by vivid acidity.  The 2017 vintage has a deeper cherry expression, a result of riper and more intense fruit.  A blend of clones, aged in French oak barrels for eight months, lends an elegant touch to the wine.  Flavorful and balanced, this Pinot Noir would accompany goat cheese crostini or roasted poultry with ease.

All three of these wines subscribe to the “easy living” philosophy, delicious, affordable, appealing and easy to open, with a Stelvin Twist-Off closure, no corkscrew required!  Light like a summer breeze, Ron Rubin’s series of California classics are refreshing and good value for their price.