When your family has been making some of the best California Chardonnays for several decades, it can be hard to improve on the past. But the Ramey family has done that, as this Chardonnay has just received a massive 98-point score from respected critic Audrey Frick of Jeb Dunnuck!
About 20 years ago, David Ramey was part of a select group of winemakers who became tired of "laboratory" or "squeaky clean" wines devoid of character. He wanted to bring terroir back into wines from California, and his success was the benefit of the consumer! David Ramey became known throughout the wine world as a winemaker associated with stellar quality, and he brought his expertise to brands such as Chalk Hill, Matanzas Creek, Dominus Estate, Rudd Estate, as well as his own brand. Today, he is joined by his family as Clare Ramey and Alan Ramey have come into the fold, and are vital additions to this noteworthy winery.
This particular bottling comes from the Rochioli Vineyard; one of the most prestigious Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vineyards in all of Sonoma. The Russian River Valley is one of the best places in the world for growing Chardonnay. The cooling winds from the Pacific Ocean spread throughout the area, and help to moderate the temperatures throughout the day, whereas areas just to the east are exceptionally warmer. Also, the soils are a mix of sand, clay, and silt. The clay brings richness to a wine, while the sand brings more flowered aromatics and brightness in the wine. If you ask us, this sounds like the recipe for Chardonnay perfection! While most of the grapes grown on this property are reserved for the family's own wine, they do sell to a handful of winemakers who have the ability to do the Rochioli name justice. The vineyard's Yolo sandy loam and overwash soils are derived from sedimentary formation in alluvial fans, which helps to impart intense fruit combined with fresh and lively acidity.
Aged for 20 months in approximately 20% new French oak (as to not overpower the wine), this wine is a great balance between richness and delicacy. Audrey Frick of Jeb Dunnuck recently rated this wine at 98 points, and notes the wine's impressive "rocky earth, white pepper, ripe fresh green apples, melon, and citrus blossoms". In addition, Wine Advocate rated this at 97 points, and calls it "stunning" with an "intense perfume of candied peach and nectarine, honeycomb, matchstick and soaring floral aromas"
Our stock on this Chardonnay is extremely limited, as we only received 7 cases, so don't hesitate to be a shining star at the dinner table, or when bringing something special to Friendsgiving!
JEB DUNNUCK 98 POINTS - "The 2022 Chardonnay Rochioli Vineyard pours a bright silver/yellow hue and is electric and focused in the glass, with bright flinty reduction, lime zest, rocky earth, white pepper, ripe fresh green apples, melon, and citrus blossoms. The palate is elegant, focused, and more savory and mouthwatering, with a fresh, rounded feel. It’s a highlight for me in the range and is going to be worth checking in on over the coming 15 years."
ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE 97 POINTS - "The 2022 Chardonnay Rochioli Vineyard is stunning! Sourced from vines planted in 1989, 1995 and 1998, grapes were harvested on August 22, before the Labor Day heat wave. The wine was barrel-fermented, underwent full malolactic conversion and matured for 20 months in 20% new French oak barrels. It has an intense perfume of candied peach and nectarine, honeycomb, matchstick and soaring floral aromas. The palate is satiny and expansive with concentrated, mouth-coating flavors. It’s balanced by vibrant acidity and has a tremendously long finish."
WINE SPECTATOR 95 POINTS - "This white's impressive flavors of fresh, ripe peach and apricot are fleshy and juicy, with vibrant accents of Fuji apple, pear and grilled lemon, while the acidity gives more energy to the core. Grace notes of candied citrus zest, crunchy sea salt and fennel pollen, plus a touch of lemon basil, gain momentum on the finish. Drink now through 2039. 667 cases made."
About 20 years ago, David Ramey was part of a select group of winemakers who became tired of "laboratory" or "squeaky clean" wines devoid of character. He wanted to bring terroir back into wines from California, and his success was the benefit of the consumer! David Ramey became known throughout the wine world as a winemaker associated with stellar quality, and he brought his expertise to brands such as Chalk Hill, Matanzas Creek, Dominus Estate, Rudd Estate, as well as his own brand. Today, he is joined by his family as Clare Ramey and Alan Ramey have come into the fold, and are vital additions to this noteworthy winery.
This particular bottling comes from the Rochioli Vineyard; one of the most prestigious Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vineyards in all of Sonoma. The Russian River Valley is one of the best places in the world for growing Chardonnay. The cooling winds from the Pacific Ocean spread throughout the area, and help to moderate the temperatures throughout the day, whereas areas just to the east are exceptionally warmer. Also, the soils are a mix of sand, clay, and silt. The clay brings richness to a wine, while the sand brings more flowered aromatics and brightness in the wine. If you ask us, this sounds like the recipe for Chardonnay perfection! While most of the grapes grown on this property are reserved for the family's own wine, they do sell to a handful of winemakers who have the ability to do the Rochioli name justice. The vineyard's Yolo sandy loam and overwash soils are derived from sedimentary formation in alluvial fans, which helps to impart intense fruit combined with fresh and lively acidity.
Aged for 20 months in approximately 20% new French oak (as to not overpower the wine), this wine is a great balance between richness and delicacy. Audrey Frick of Jeb Dunnuck recently rated this wine at 98 points, and notes the wine's impressive "rocky earth, white pepper, ripe fresh green apples, melon, and citrus blossoms". In addition, Wine Advocate rated this at 97 points, and calls it "stunning" with an "intense perfume of candied peach and nectarine, honeycomb, matchstick and soaring floral aromas"
Our stock on this Chardonnay is extremely limited, as we only received 7 cases, so don't hesitate to be a shining star at the dinner table, or when bringing something special to Friendsgiving!
JEB DUNNUCK 98 POINTS - "The 2022 Chardonnay Rochioli Vineyard pours a bright silver/yellow hue and is electric and focused in the glass, with bright flinty reduction, lime zest, rocky earth, white pepper, ripe fresh green apples, melon, and citrus blossoms. The palate is elegant, focused, and more savory and mouthwatering, with a fresh, rounded feel. It’s a highlight for me in the range and is going to be worth checking in on over the coming 15 years."
ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE 97 POINTS - "The 2022 Chardonnay Rochioli Vineyard is stunning! Sourced from vines planted in 1989, 1995 and 1998, grapes were harvested on August 22, before the Labor Day heat wave. The wine was barrel-fermented, underwent full malolactic conversion and matured for 20 months in 20% new French oak barrels. It has an intense perfume of candied peach and nectarine, honeycomb, matchstick and soaring floral aromas. The palate is satiny and expansive with concentrated, mouth-coating flavors. It’s balanced by vibrant acidity and has a tremendously long finish."
WINE SPECTATOR 95 POINTS - "This white's impressive flavors of fresh, ripe peach and apricot are fleshy and juicy, with vibrant accents of Fuji apple, pear and grilled lemon, while the acidity gives more energy to the core. Grace notes of candied citrus zest, crunchy sea salt and fennel pollen, plus a touch of lemon basil, gain momentum on the finish. Drink now through 2039. 667 cases made."
