2023 Ramey Russian River Valley Chardonnay

“Sourced from Lafranchi, Westside Farms, Sonoma Foothills, Martinelli Laughlin, Kilcullen, Dutton Sebastopol, and Frank Johnson—all cool-climate sites with low-vigour soils such as Goldridge loam, planted between 1978 and 2017 and aged for 12 months on the lees in barrel (10% new French oak). This is clean and sleek, a beautifully balanced medium-bodied Chardonnay with luxuriously ripe stone and orchard fruit. Exotic baking spices complement layers of guava, white peach, and macerated mango with apricot. But what’s most impressive is the intensity and purity of the fruit—so precisely delineated, profoundly spicy, and laser-focused. At $50, this is one of the finest, most balanced, and well-structured Chardonnays from the Russian River Valley at this price point. (JC)” (01/2025)

“Grapes for the 2023 Chardonnay Russian River Valley were harvested over the course of a month, from initial picks on September 13 to the last pick on October 14. It was barrel-fermented, underwent full malolactic conversion and was matured for 12 months in 10% new French oak barrels. It has open, inviting aromas of stone fruit and pineapple, panna cotta, ginger, toasted brioche and honey. The palate combines concentrated, layered flavors with fireworks of fresh acidity, and it has a very long, perfumed finish.” (11/2025)

“The 2023 Russian River Valley Chardonnay is a lovely wine, showcasing pretty aromas of lemon zest and crisp orchard fruits layered with subtle oak, flint and stone nuances. On the palate it offers wonderful vibrancy with gorgeous texture and weight, accented by flavors of fresh sliced apple, wet stones, vanilla, and a hint of toasted hazelnut. The wine’s vibrant acidity keeps it fresh and lively, while a smooth, slightly buttery finish adds richness without overwhelming the fruit.” (06/2025)

“Energetic acidity and ample fruit flavors give this full-bodied wine a sense of strength and structure. After a blast of green apple, pine bough and citrus aromas, an array of subtle baking spice, ripe pear and baked apple flavors come out as you sip. Drink now.” (08/2025)

“The downright delicious 2023 Ramey ‘Russian River Valley’ Chardonnay is forward and juicy on the mouth. Caramel and poached pear mingle well with buttered French bread and roasted pineapple, and copious stony minerals. The texture and sense of freshness here is just sensational. This has to be up there with the finest Ramey ‘Russian River Valley’ that I have tasted. Drink 2025-2033-” (12/2025)

“Leaps out of the glass with intensity, offering vibrant fruit flavors of crisp Meyer lemon, apple and pear. Aromatic details of tangerine, lime sherbet and lemon blossoms add complexity alongside fresh herbal accents of lemon balm and sweetgrass. Crushed rock minerality lingers on the long, expressive finish. *Highly Recommended* (MW)” (07/2025)

“Medium lemon. Very open – easy to drink now despite its youth and evident ageability. Leesy and creamy on the nose with ripe apple and pear. The palate is generously textured with fresh acidity and a long finish. (SCJ)” (02/2025)