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Introducing the 2023 Five Wells Chardonnay: A New Chapter of Elegance from Adversity Cellars

April 30, 2025

In the world of fine wine, certain bottlings come to represent not just a vineyard or a winemaker, but a philosophy. The Five Wells Chardonnay from Adversity Cellars is one of those wines. Crafted with passion and precision by the legendary Russell Bevan, this Chardonnay has already earned a devoted following for its power, texture, and breathtaking balance. Now, with the upcoming release of the 2023 vintage, excitement is building once again.

While the official tasting notes for the 2023 Five Wells Chardonnay are still under wraps, the legacy of previous vintages gives us every reason to believe this new release will continue the tradition of excellence that Adversity Cellars is known for.

The Five Wells Vineyard: A Site of Distinction

At the heart of this wine lies the Five Wells Vineyard, a site that offers an extraordinary canvas for Chardonnay. Nestled in the hills of Napa Valley, this vineyard benefits from the perfect convergence of factors that make world-class wine possible:

  • Cool marine influences from the nearby San Pablo Bay
  • Well-draining, rocky soils that stress the vines just enough to produce fruit of intense character
  • Long, even growing seasons that allow the grapes to ripen slowly and develop remarkable complexity

The name "Five Wells" symbolizes the depth and vitality of the site—where richness beneath the surface meets purity above. Year after year, this vineyard delivers Chardonnay fruit that captures energy, minerality, and vibrancy—all trademarks of Adversity Cellars’ style.

Russell Bevan’s Approach: Crafting a Chardonnay with Power and Grace

Russell Bevan is a name that commands respect in the world of wine. With over 35 wines that have achieved perfect 100-point scores and hundreds more rated above 90 points, his track record is simply unmatched. But beyond the scores, it's his unique winemaking philosophy that sets him apart.

Russell does not chase trends. He doesn’t make Chardonnay in the lean, razor-sharp style favored by some, nor in the overly opulent, buttery style that can overwhelm the senses. Instead, he strikes a careful balance—a Chardonnay that is rich without being heavy, fresh without being thin, and textured without being cloying.

Previous vintages of the Five Wells Chardonnay have showcased:

  • Beautiful aromatics of lemon oil, honeysuckle, and toasted almonds
  • A textured mid-palate offering layers of white peach, nectarine, and mineral-driven tension
  • A long, focused finish, vibrant with acidity and a whisper of oak spice

With the 2023 vintage, Russell Bevan aims to capture the very best qualities of the vineyard and vintage—translating the story of the land, the weather, and the vine into every glass.

Building on a Legacy of Excellence

The previous releases of the Five Wells Chardonnay have established it as one of the most anticipated white wines coming out of Napa Valley each year.
Collectors and Chardonnay lovers alike have praised its:

  • Purity of fruit
  • Velvety textures
  • Mouthwatering energy
  • Aging potential

Unlike many Chardonnays that peak early, the Five Wells bottlings are structured to evolve beautifully over 5–7 years, gaining complexity while maintaining their freshness.

If history is any indication, the 2023 vintage promises another chapter in that legacy. Thanks to the vineyard’s resilient nature and Russell’s meticulous approach, the wine is expected to deliver the richness and vibrancy that fans have come to expect—perhaps with even greater tension and lift, given the favorable growing conditions.

The Magic of Napa Valley in Every Sip

Napa Valley is synonymous with greatness, and Chardonnay is no exception.
While Cabernet Sauvignon often steals the spotlight, the finest Napa Chardonnays—like Five Wells—prove that the region’s cool-climate pockets and complex soils can produce white wines of profound character.

The Five Wells Vineyard benefits from cooler afternoons and a slightly extended growing season compared to valley floor sites. This natural advantage helps create a more nuanced, layered Chardonnay that reflects the best of what Napa can offer: intensity, elegance, and balance.

With the 2023 release, Adversity Cellars once again proves that Napa Valley Chardonnay can stand alongside the world's finest whites—not just in terms of weight, but in soul.

Get Ready: Limited Quantities, Unlimited Pleasure

Adversity Cellars is known for small-production, high-intensity wines, and the Five Wells Chardonnay is no exception. Quantities are extremely limited each year, with loyal collectors and mailing list members snapping up bottles quickly upon release.

If you want to secure your allocation of the 2023 Five Wells Chardonnay, don’t wait.

Pre-orders are now being accepted.
📩 Contact Heidi at heidi@adversitycellars.com to reserve your bottles before they’re gone.

Final Thoughts: A Vintage Worth Celebrating

The upcoming release of the 2023 Five Wells Chardonnay represents more than just another wine—it represents a culmination of dedication, terroir, and artistry.

Russell Bevan’s winemaking is about more than technical excellence; it’s about capturing emotion, energy, and place.
The Five Wells Vineyard, with its rugged beauty and vibrant fruit, continues to be the perfect partner in that mission.

We invite you to experience it for yourself.
Raise a glass to the journey—from the well to the vineyard to the bottle—and discover why Adversity Cellars remains at the forefront of Napa Valley’s finest wines.

The 2023 Five Wells Chardonnay is almost here. And it’s worth the wait.


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1390 Silverado Trail Saint Helena, CA 94574
(707) 346-9342
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