Ramey Chardonnay Russian River 2023

Region and Vineyards

Ramey sources this cuvée from a constellation of cool-climate sites across the Russian River Valley AVA in Sonoma County, one of California's reference points for Chardonnay. Here, maritime fog funneled in from the Pacific via the Petaluma Gap cools warm afternoons, extending the growing season and preserving vibrant natural acidity. Chardonnay is the valley's most planted grape, thriving in the large diurnal range and long, slow ripening that encourage intensity without heaviness.

The 2023 blend comes from Lafranchi, Westside Farms, Sonoma Foothills, Martinelli Laughlin, Kilcullen, Dutton Sebastopol and Frank Johnson vineyards. These parcels, planted between 1978 and 2017, sit mainly on the region's hallmark Goldridge sandy loam: a well-drained, low-vigour soil prized for producing concentrated yet finely textured wines. Vines are predominantly planted to UC Davis Clone 4, with smaller proportions of Wente and aromatic Rued selections, giving both citrus-driven tension and more exotic floral and stone-fruit nuances.

Winemaking

The 2023 Russian River Chardonnay is 100% Chardonnay, harvested by hand between 13 September and 14 October, reflecting the extended, cool growing season typical of the appellation. Average ripeness at picking was a modest 22.3° Brix, underlining Ramey's focus on freshness over sheer power. The fruit is pressed as whole clusters to maximize delicacy and avoid harsh phenolics, then allowed to ferment with native yeasts in barrel, following the classical Burgundian model David Ramey helped popularize in California.

Full native malolactic conversion softens the wine's acidity while contributing creamy, complex texture. The wine spends 12 months on its lees in French oak barrels from Taransaud and François Frères, with only about 10% new wood, and is periodically stirred (bâtonnage) to build mid-palate weight. Traditionally fined for clarity but bottled without filtration in December 2024 at 13.5% alcohol, this approach yields a Chardonnay that is silk-textured and layered yet remains incisive, with oak acting as a quiet frame rather than a dominant flavour.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Medium straw-yellow with green highlights, bright and limpid in the glass, suggesting both concentration and freshness.
• Aroma: Intense aromas of ripe yellow apple, Anjou pear and white peach intertwine with Meyer lemon, tangerine zest and pineapple. Subtle notes of ginger, baking spice, panna cotta, toasted brioche, honey and a hint of crushed rock add complexity, lifted by lemon blossom and sweetgrass top notes.
• Palate: Medium- to full-bodied yet impeccably balanced, with a core of juicy stone and orchard fruit wrapped in lively, almost electric acidity. Layers of guava, macerated mango, apricot and baked apple are laced with citrus oil, ginger, spice and a discreet creamy note from lees and oak. The texture is satiny but taut, finishing very long, saline and mineral, with lingering impressions of lemon curd and warm brioche.

Did you know?

Founded in 1996 by David and Carla Ramey, Ramey Wine Cellars has been one of the pioneers of applying traditional Burgundian techniques - barrel fermentation, native yeasts, full malolactic and extended lees aging - to top-quality Sonoma fruit. David's work with these methods helped define a modern style of California Chardonnay that combines generous texture with structure and age-worthiness, a philosophy that underpins this Russian River bottling.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Roast chicken with lemon and thyme: The wine's citrus brightness mirrors the lemon and cuts through the chicken's richness, while its subtle roast-nut and brioche notes echo crisp skin and pan juices.
• Seared scallops with cauliflower purée: Silky texture and ripe stone fruit complement the natural sweetness of scallops, while lively acidity refreshes the palate alongside the creaminess of the purée.
• Lobster or crab in butter sauce: The Chardonnay's combination of creaminess, citrus and saline minerality stands up beautifully to buttered shellfish, intensifying sweetness while keeping the dish lifted and precise.
• Mushroom risotto with Parmigiano-Reggiano: Umami depth from mushrooms and aged cheese resonates with the wine's savory lees character and gentle oak spice, while its acidity keeps the risotto feeling light rather than heavy.

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.