Ramey Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2023

Their story is crafted by the soil, the vineyards, the terroir and the passion of David Ramey. The process is a dynamic mix of experience and innovation, Old World methods and New World science. The wines are pure California – rich in character, beautifully balanced, always of exceptional quality.

Founded in 1996 after establishing Matanzas Creek and Chalk Hill into the market place, David spent six years in Napa Valley as winemaker for Dominus and helped Leslie Rudd with reshape the Girard Winery into Rudd Oakville. He is involved with Family Winemakers of California.

Coming from special vineyard sites, our Chardonnays show great depth of flavor, length of finish, aromatic complexity, and a fine balance between richness and delicacy. Typically, the climate is cool and the soil vigor low, producing graceful yet vibrant wines. The 2022 vintage is 44% Lafranchi, 18% Martinelli Laughlin Rd, 14% Kilcullen, 12% Dutton Sebastopol, 12% Westside Farms.

95 Points Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
Grapes for the 2023 Chardonnay Russian River Valley were harvested over the course of a month, from initial picks on September 13 to the last pick on October 14. It was barrel-fermented, underwent full malolactic conversion and was matured for 12 months in 10% new French oak barrels. It has open, inviting aromas of stone fruit and pineapple, panna cotta, ginger, toasted brioche and honey. The palate combines concentrated, layered flavors with fireworks of fresh acidity, and it has a very long, perfumed finish.

95 Points Decanter

94 Points Wine Spectator

94 Points James Suckling

Notes

On the nose, hints of stone fruit (peach), pineapple, panna cotta, toasted brioche, ginger, honey. Slightly creamy / lees-driven from the sur-lie aging.

Tasting notes lean toward orchard fruits (apple, pear), citrus (lemon), and also some baking spice.  Minerality present — “crushed rock” character on the finish. Very balanced: rich but with crispness and acidity, a “dichotomy of fruit and acid.”