Ramey Chardonnay Russian River 2022

Region and Vineyards

The Russian River Valley in Sonoma County is renowned for its cool-climate viticulture, shaped by frequent morning fog and afternoon breezes from the nearby Pacific Ocean. These conditions ensure a long growing season, which preserves acidity and allows Chardonnay to ripen slowly and evenly. The 2022 Chardonnay is sourced from several premier sites, including Rochioli, Bucher, and Westside Farms, each contributing distinct elements to the final blend.

The vineyards are planted on well-drained alluvial soils, primarily loam with varying amounts of gravel and clay. This diversity lends the wine both aromatic finesse and structural depth. Many of the vines are clones 4, 5, and 76, known for their balance of concentration and delicacy. Ramey's long-standing relationships with these growers ensure meticulous vineyard practices and consistently high-quality fruit.

Winemaking

Following a philosophy of minimal intervention, this Chardonnay is 100% barrel fermented using native yeasts. Fermentation occurs in French oak barrels, where the wine also undergoes full malolactic fermentation. The lees are regularly stirred (bâtonnage) to build texture and integration.

Aged for 12 months in 20% new French oak, the wine is racked from barrel and bottled without filtration to preserve aromatic and textural integrity. The result is a Chardonnay that reflects both vineyard precision and cellar finesse. Alcohol is restrained, typically around 14%, allowing the wine's freshness and minerality to shine through.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Bright straw with green reflections, crystalline and youthful.
• Aroma: Aromatics of Meyer lemon, white peach, and jasmine are complemented by hints of wet stone, brioche, and lightly toasted almond.
• Palate: Medium-bodied and vibrant, showing citrus zest, pear, and a touch of crème fraîche. The mouthfeel is creamy yet taut, supported by focused acidity and a lingering saline finish.

Did you know?

David Ramey was among the first American winemakers to embrace traditional Burgundian methods for Chardonnay—wild yeast fermentations, extended lees aging, and bottling without filtration. This cuvée, assembled from multiple top vineyards, exemplifies his belief that appellation wines can rival single-vineyard bottlings in complexity and depth when sourced from exceptional sites.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Seared scallops with lemon butter sauce: Enhances the wine's citrus profile and rich mouthfeel.
• Pasta primavera with shaved parmesan: Highlights the wine's brightness and subtle herbal notes.
• Roast chicken with tarragon cream: A classic pairing that underscores the Chardonnay's balance of freshness and texture.
• Saint-Marcellin or Délice de Bourgogne: Creamy cheeses that echo the wine's leesy depth.

History of Ramey Wine Cellars

David Ramey established Ramey Wine Cellars in 1996, following a remarkable career that positioned him as one of California’s most influential winemakers. Originally from Seattle, David pursued a degree in oenology at UC Davis, graduating in 1979. His formative years included work at the prestigious Château Pétrus in Bordeaux, where he developed a deep respect for Old World winemaking techniques. This experience profoundly shaped his philosophy of crafting balanced, terroir-driven wines.

Upon returning to California, David worked at several prominent wineries, including Chalone, Dominus Estate, and Chalk Hill Estate Vineyards & Winery. During this time, he introduced transformative practices such as native yeast fermentation, extended sur lie aging, and barrel fermentation, bridging the best of European tradition with California’s bold, fruit-forward style. These methods became hallmarks of his approach and influenced an entire generation of winemakers.

In 1996, David and his wife Carla founded Ramey Wine Cellars, beginning with just two barrels of Chardonnay sourced from the Hyde Vineyard in Carneros. This inaugural vintage quickly garnered acclaim, establishing Ramey as a leader in California’s Chardonnay renaissance. Over the next decade, the winery expanded its portfolio to include Cabernet Sauvignon, Claret, and Syrah, focusing on single-vineyard expressions from Sonoma and Napa.

A turning point came in the early 2000s, when Ramey’s wines gained widespread recognition from critics, earning spots on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 and accolades from Wine Enthusiast and The Wine Advocate. David’s vision, rooted in producing wines with structure, elegance, and longevity, resonated with collectors and casual enthusiasts alike. His commitment to quality and innovation solidified Ramey’s position among California’s elite wineries.

Today, Ramey Wine Cellars remains a family-operated winery, with Carla overseeing operations and their children, Claire and Alan, actively involved. The winery reflects David’s philosophy of “classicism with a modern sensibility,” producing wines that honor both traditional craftsmanship and contemporary innovation.

Region and Vineyards

Ramey sources grapes from some of California’s most prestigious appellations, including the Sonoma Coast, Russian River Valley, Fort Ross-Seaview, Oakville, and Napa Valley, as well as managing estate vineyards. Key partnerships with iconic sites like Hyde Vineyard, Ritchie Vineyard, and Pedregal Vineyard ensure access to top-quality fruit.

• Sonoma Coast and Russian River Valley: Cool-climate vineyards producing vibrant, mineral-driven Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
• Fort Ross-Seaview: Coastal, high-altitude sites ideal for elegant Chardonnay with complex textures.
• Napa Valley: The source of structured and age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignons from renowned sites like Oakville and Mt. Veeder.
• Oak Knoll District: Known for balanced wines with refined richness.

The winery emphasizes sustainability, employing practices that promote soil health, biodiversity, and water conservation to preserve the vitality of its vineyards for future generations.

Wine Range of Ramey Wine Cellars

Ramey Wine Cellars offers a diverse range of wines, each reflecting the richness and diversity of California’s top wine regions:

• Chardonnay: Renowned for precision, richness, and balance, including single-vineyard gems like Ritchie Vineyard and Hyde Vineyard.
• Cabernet Sauvignon: Powerful and elegant, with standout wines such as Pedregal Vineyard and the proprietary Annum blend.
• Claret: A Bordeaux-style blend that is approachable, versatile, and crafted for immediate enjoyment.
• Pinot Noir: From cool-climate sites, showcasing finesse and vibrancy.
• Syrah: Limited-production wines with deep complexity and Rhône-inspired character.

Did you know?

David Ramey is a trailblazer in California winemaking, credited with innovations like native yeast fermentation and extended sur lie aging, now standard practices in premium wineries. Many of his protégés have gone on to establish successful wineries, spreading his philosophy of balance and innovation throughout the industry.