Ramey Fort Ross-Seaview Chardonnay 2021

Region and Vineyards

The grapes for this Chardonnay come from the Martinelli Charles Ranch, located within the Fort Ross-Seaview AVA of the Sonoma Coast. Perched at 1,115 feet elevation, just three miles from the Pacific Ocean, this site benefits from cool, maritime breezes and southern exposure, ideal for growing premium Chardonnay. The vineyard was planted in 1982 by George Charles, amidst redwoods, bay laurels, and oaks, making it a truly unique viticultural site.

The soils here are a combination of Goldridge (sandstone-derived) and Josephine (shale-based), which impart distinctive minerality and structure to the wine. The vineyard features Clone 4 and Old Wente selections, prized for their ability to produce concentrated, complex fruit with balanced acidity.

Winemaking

The 2021 vintage was marked by a second consecutive year of drought, with extremely dry conditions during winter and spring. Variable weather during the growing season required careful vineyard management, including meticulous green drops at veraison. However, moderate temperatures from June onward allowed for an even ripening process, resulting in a harvest with average to low yields but exceptional quality. Harvest took place on September 20 and September 23–25, with fruit reaching an ideal 22.1° Brix.

The fruit was whole-cluster pressed to maintain delicacy, followed by native-yeast fermentation and full malolactic fermentation in barrel. The wine was aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, with only 10% new oak (from Taransaud Beaune and François Frères cooperages), allowing the purity of the fruit to shine. Sur lies bâtonnage during aging enhanced texture and integration, and the wine was fined for clarity and bottled unfiltered in February 2023.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Pale gold with a bright, luminous clarity.
• Aromas: Expressive and layered, with notes of ripe citrus, white peach, and hints of toasted hazelnut, complemented by subtle minerality.
• Palate: Crisp and lively, with flavors of lemon zest, green apple, and a touch of brioche. A refined acidity and chalky minerality lead to a long, elegant finish.

Did you know?

The Fort Ross-Seaview AVA, established in 2011, is one of California’s coolest and most distinctive wine regions. Its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, combined with high-altitude vineyards, creates conditions ideal for crafting Chardonnay with exceptional freshness and vibrancy.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled scallops with lemon beurre blanc: Enhances the wine’s minerality and vibrant acidity.
• Roasted chicken with thyme and garlic: Balances its richness and adds depth.
• Seafood risotto: Complements its creamy texture and citrus notes.
• Triple-cream Brie cheese: Matches its lush mouthfeel and nutty finish.

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.