2023 Ramey Rochioli Vineyard Chardonnay Russian River Valley

David Ramey has an extremely dense resume, with a history of winemaking at Matanzas Creek, Chalk Hill, Dominus, and Rudd all before founding Ramey Wine Cellars. The wines made at Ramey are classic California, showcasing a purity of fruit with the classic weighty profile that every California wine drinker craves. The Russian River Chardonnay is sourced from cool-climate vineyards through the Valley, and the results speak for themselves.

"David Ramey doesn't get anywhere near the attention he deserves. Today, it seems the focus is on extremes as the wine world is increasingly about a polarization of so-called 'very ripe' wines versus the more 'restrained' style. Ramey's wines are neither, but rather bring together the best of both schools of thought. The Chardonnays combine distinctly Californian expressions of site with Burgundian concepts of aging where the wines spend a full 18 months in barrel, something that is rarely seen in this country. The results speak for themselves. These are among the very best Chardonnays being made in California." - Antonio Galloni on Ramey

David’s groundbreaking work with indigenous yeasts, sur lies aging, whole-cluster pressing, and malolactic and barrel fermentation yielded a new California style that was richer, more lush, and silky smooth than previously known. As a result, he created a benchmark style now emulated by many. 

Few wineries have the honor of making a Rochioli Vineyard wine. Most are turned down, but mutual respect and a shared legacy of quality forged a unique partnership between the two families. The Rochioli family has been growing grapes on their estate since the late 1950s, with the third generation now tending the vineyards.

Aging: 20 months in 20% new French oak barrels.