Veteran winemaker David Ramey continues his winning ways with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. This 2019 is his 4th Chardonnay made from the Martinelli Charles Ranch, two miles in from the Pacific at 1,115 ft elevation. Working with fruit from this cool site, he ferments via native yeasts and takes the wine through full malolactic while in barrel. Aging sur lie is in 15% new French oak and lasts for 12 months. The end result is a stylish Chardonnay that is sleek, subtle, and complex, just the opposite of the more common in your face butter and oak versions. It offers up refreshing crisp apple scents with light oak, and is medium bodied with delicious flavors of spiced apples and light toast. This vibrant, silky and intricate Chardonnay easily invites a second glass!
Ramey Wine Cellars, Fort Ross-Seaview, Sonoma Coast (California) Chardonnay 2019
By Norm Roby