Ramey - Chardonnay Fort Ross-Seaview Sonoma Coast 2022 750ml (14.5% abv)

$62.00

Ramey Wine Cellars, founded in 1996 by David Ramey, is a distinguished winery located in Healdsburg, California. Known for its dedication to crafting wines that marry Old World techniques with the unique terroirs of Sonoma and Napa, Ramey Wine Cellars has significantly influenced the California wine industry. David Ramey, a pioneering winemaker, has played a crucial role in this transformation, introducing innovative methods such as whole-cluster pressing, sur lies aging, and native yeast fermentations. These techniques have earned him the nickname “Professor Chardonnay” and a declaration in the Congressional Record for his contributions to American winemaking. Before founding his own winery, David Ramey honed his skills at several prestigious Napa Valley wineries. He worked at Dominus Estate, where he collaborated with Christian Moueix, gaining invaluable experience in producing Bordeaux-style wines. Ramey also contributed to the success of Chalk Hill and Matanzas Creek, where he implemented many of his groundbreaking techniques. Additionally, he worked at Rudd Estate, further cementing his reputation as a leading winemaker in Napa Valley. These experiences provided Ramey with a deep understanding of the region’s terroir and winemaking potential. David Ramey’s journey began in Bordeaux, where he worked at Château Pétrus. This experience deeply informed his approach to winemaking, blending traditional methods with innovative practices. His vision was to create classically styled and balanced wines that age gracefully. This vision has been realized through meticulous vineyard management and innovative winemaking techniques, producing world-class Chardonnays, Cabernet Sauvignons, and Syrahs that have garnered critical acclaim and high scores from wine publications.

In 2021, the leadership of Ramey Wine Cellars transitioned to the second generation, with Claire and Alan Ramey becoming co-presidents. Both have been integral to the winery since 2013, bringing fresh perspectives while upholding the family’s commitment to excellence. Claire focuses on viticultural operations, including the management of the estate vineyard, Westside Farms, while Alan oversees broader winery operations and has international winemaking experience from stints in Chile and Burgundy. Their leadership ensures the continuity of the Ramey legacy, blending tradition with innovation.

Sourced exclusively from the Martinelli Charles Ranch, three miles in from the Pacific at 1,115-ft elevation, amidst redwoods, bay laurels, and oaks. The vineyard was planted in 1982 by George Charles (Lee Martinelli Jr.’s maternal grandfather).

Harvest Date: Sept 8 & 10
Brix: 23.4˚ average
Soil: The soil is Goldridge and Josephine; Goldridge comes from sandstone and Josephine is from shale.
Clones: Clone 4 and Old Wente

We press the fruit whole cluster for delicacy. Native-yeast and full native malolactic fermentation take place in barrel, with sur lies bâtonnage.
Aging: After aging 12 months in 10% new French oak barrels (Taransaud Beaune), the Chardonnay was traditionally fined for clarity and texture during the following harvest and bottled without filtration.

Third vintage to come exclusively from Martinelli’s Charles Ranch in Fort Foss-Seaview AVA
Planted in Goldridge sandstone and Josephine shale soils in 1982 by George Hastings Charles (Lee Martinelli Jr’s maternal grandfather)
~4,700 cases produced

powerful ... mouthwatering... lemon curd, lime blossom and mandarin orange flavors that show notes of fresh-grated ginger and lemon verbena. Sea salt minerality gains momentum on the finish, where grace notes of toasted green tea, citrus zest and white pepper...

94 J Dunnuck

"The 2022 Chardonnay Fort Ross-Seaview reveals more flint, as well as notes of lime zest, green apples, toasty incense, and saline. Medium bodied, it retains good freshness and has a savory feel on the finish. It reveals a light herbal note, but it's going to drink well over the next 10 years."

93 J Suckling

"Flavors of key limes and lemon curd burst from this well-balanced, tangy, acid-driven wine as it lights up the palate. Despite a full body, it shows freshness, vibrancy and concentration, with hints of oak spices, vanilla bean and custard that echo on the finish. Drink or hold."

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farming/cellar: organic,

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