We have been touting Dave Ramey's Chardonnay for years, but when we tasted the newly-released 2022 vintage, we thought this might be the best one yet!
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.
This particular bottling is an amalgamation of several prestigious vineyards in the Russian River Valley, including Martinelli, Dutton Sebastopol, and Westside Farms. 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!
Aged for 12 months in just 10% new French oak (as to not overpower the wine), this wine is a great balance between richness and delicacy. Wine Spectator recently rated this wine at 94 points, and writes that this Chardonnay is "oozing with character"!
If you are seeking a Chardonnay that has a lot of flavor, yet does not feel too heavy, then this might be your summer sipper!
WINE SPECTATOR 94 POINTS - "Oozing with character, this succulent and mouthwatering white offers a fleshy, juicy mix of perfectly ripe peach, mango and lemon bar flavors, with fresh herbal accents of lemon verbena and vetiver. Offers accents of freshly grated ginger, tangerine and crunchy sea salt on the finish. Drink now through 2036."
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.
This particular bottling is an amalgamation of several prestigious vineyards in the Russian River Valley, including Martinelli, Dutton Sebastopol, and Westside Farms. 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!
Aged for 12 months in just 10% new French oak (as to not overpower the wine), this wine is a great balance between richness and delicacy. Wine Spectator recently rated this wine at 94 points, and writes that this Chardonnay is "oozing with character"!
If you are seeking a Chardonnay that has a lot of flavor, yet does not feel too heavy, then this might be your summer sipper!
WINE SPECTATOR 94 POINTS - "Oozing with character, this succulent and mouthwatering white offers a fleshy, juicy mix of perfectly ripe peach, mango and lemon bar flavors, with fresh herbal accents of lemon verbena and vetiver. Offers accents of freshly grated ginger, tangerine and crunchy sea salt on the finish. Drink now through 2036."
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