Ramey Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2019

This Chardonnay shows great depth of flavor, length of finish, aromatic complexity, and a fine balance between richness and delicacy. The wine originates from cool sites in the Russian River Valley, with low vigor soil such as Goldridge Loam, planted between 1978 and 2006. The vineyards are mostly planted to UC Davis Clone 4, known for its prominent acidity and large clusters, with lesser percentages of Wente and aromatic clones like Rued. Heat in early September 2019 gave everything a little push before a significant cooling trend slowed the pace of harvest.

After aging 12 months in 15% new French oak barrels (François Frères, Taransaud Beaune), the Chardonnay was traditionally fined for clarity during the following harvest and bottled without filtration in February 2021.