Ramey Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2023 is a stunning expression of the Chardonnay varietal, sourced from special vineyard sites in the Russian River Valley, California. This wine is renowned for its depth of flavor, length of finish, and a fine balance between richness and delicacy. The cool climate and low soil vigor produce graceful yet vibrant wines that showcase the region's unique terroir.
The 2023 vintage of Ramey Russian River Valley Chardonnay had an interesting growing season, starting with a very wet winter, followed by a mild summer until a significant heatwave around Labor Day. The winemakers and growers quickly harvested the first wave of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir after the heatwave, and then the temperatures were warm and steady. This allowed the winemakers to pick the grapes based on optimal fruit maturity rather than impending weather. The yields were very close to projections, and the fruit quality was exceptional with well-preserved acids, great color, and good varietal expression.
This wine is known for its aromatic complexity, showcasing notes of lemon zest, green apple, white peach, and floral hints of honeysuckle and jasmine. On the palate, it is rich and textured, with flavors of vanilla, buttered toast, and a subtle minerality that provides a refreshing lift to the wine. The finish is long and satisfying, leaving a lingering impression of sweet spice and toasted hazelnuts. Ramey Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2023 is a perfect wine to pair with roasted chicken, seafood, and creamy pasta dishes.
Critic Ratings
James Suckling Review - Rated 92:
Light butter and vanilla bean aromas lead to vivid, racy lemon curd, lime zest and cream flavors in this well-balanced, medium-bodied wine. The most affordable of the Ramey chardonnays, it still delivers an elegant texture and delicious flavors.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate Review - Rated 92:
The 2022 Chardonnay Russian River Valley has inviting scents of yellow apples, allspice, toast and flint. The light-bodied palate strikes a balance of ripe fruit and spicy oak. Its satiny texture is tempered by lively acidity, and it has a long, flavorful finish.
Wine Spectator Review - Rated 94:
Oozing with character, this succulent and mouthwatering white offers a fleshy, juicy mix of perfectly ripe peach, mango and lemon bar flavors, with fresh herbal accents of lemon verbena and vetiver. Offers accents of freshly grated ginger, tangerine and crunchy sea salt on the finish. Drink now through 2036.
