2020 CHARDONNAY, David Ramey. Russian River, Sonoma, California

The Russian River is a beautiful (your ideal vision of ‘natural’ California wine country) sub-region of Sonoma County. It’s cool enough to produce many of the state’s best Chardonnays and Pinots, but the style is richer and more classically Californian than wines from the now-trendy Sonoma Coast.
This blend is 57% from four Dutton Ranches Vineyards (Perry, Mengle, Sebastopol & Mill Station); 28% Martinelli’s Laughlin Road Vineyard; 13% from the estate vineyard, Westside Farms; 2% from two Rochioli Vineyards.

100% Chardonnay, natural yeasts, 12 months in Burgundian oak (only 20% new).

David Ramey is an urbane and sophisticated man. Previously winemaker at top names like Chalk Hill, Dominus and Matanzas Creek, he now has his own operation making top quality Chardonnay, Pinot and Cabernet.

A new world Chardonnay that gets better and better for 8-10 years from harvest.

This is as thoughtful and sophisticated as its creator. It really does compare with serious white Burgundy, if somewhat more hedonistic.

“This is one heck of a deal for a wine of this quality and substance. Sourced from four ranches farmed by the Dutton family, as well as the producer’s estate and two Rochioli sites, it shows the beauty of blending from such incredible places—a study in exotic lemony quince and soft supple structure. The lasting finish is textured and complex.” – Wine Enthusiast Magazine
“Full and flamboyant on the nose but with admirable leanness and finesse on the palate. Very tight and focused. Super-appetising. One of the driest wines I have tasted so far in this big California tasting in London, with a little good astringency on the end. Long. With good juiciness. I’d like to taste this blind alongside a similarly priced white burgundy.” – Jancis Robinson MW.