2018 RAMEY WOOLSEY ROAD VINEYARD CHARDONNAY RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

(95 points) “From a site in the heart of the appellation farmed by the Martinelli family, from cuttings that can be traced back to Hyde Vineyard, this white dazzles in salty sea air, oyster shell and hay, with subdued richness and layers of Gravenstein apple and pear. The acidity drives it into a fresh array of tension and texture.” Wine Enthusiast

Vintage Notes This Chardonnay is exclusive to Ramey; you will not find Woolsey Rd Vineyard anywhere else. Owned by the Martinelli family, the vineyard was planted specifically for us at their invitation. We were able to provide them with old Wente cuttings from Hyde Vineyard. The 2018 season was exemplary. The climate at Woolsey Road Vineyard is moderately cool and the soil vigor low, which coupled with the Wente selection results in a fine balance between richness and minerality.

Winemaking We press whole clusters for phenolic delicacy. Native yeast and full native malolactic fermentations take place in barrel, with sur lies bâtonnage.

Winemaker Notes After 20 months in 25% new François Frères and Taransaud Beaune French oak barrels, the Chardonnay was traditionally fined for clarity and texture and bottled without filtration.