2023 Ramey Fort Ross-Seaview Chardonnay

Sourced exclusively from the Martinelli Charles Ranch, located three miles inland from the Pacific at 340 metres elevation, surrounded by redwoods, bay laurels, and oaks. The vineyard was planted in 1982 by George Charles (Lee Martinelli Jr.’s maternal grandfather), and Ramey has worked with this fruit since 2008. "It’s a large, undulating site," says Claire Ramey. "We take fruit from many different aspects, but the blend has been largely from south-west-facing blocks, along with some less west-facing and a few east-facing sites, all sitting at roughly 305 metres and mostly above the fog." Lovely sea-spray aromatics fill this medium-bodied wine's nose and palate, boasting fantastic bracing acidity and an astounding baseline of intense, creamy fruit. Best enjoyed alongside grilled scallops or lobster mac and cheese—the wine’s taut acid backbone and creamy texture will elevate both the food and the wine. (JC)