Ramey Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2023

Cellar for up to 8 years. Serve chilled. Wine Spectator Top 10 of 2024. David Ramey is a big name in the Californian winemaking world thanks to his stints at top wineries like Chalk Hill and Dominus as well as Chateau Petrus over in Bordeaux. In 1996 David decided to found his own winery which boasts top vineyard sites across both Napa and Sonoma. Davids signature style is big, bold Californian wines which are bursting with plenty of vibrant fruit and a luscious, smooth texture and full body on the palate. This Chardonnay is made from top quality fruit from the Russian River where the cooler climate ensures a longer ripening season for the grapes. The result is well-balanced fruit with plenty of complexity and ripe fruit flavours. Once in the winery the grapes are pressed and the must fermented in oak barrels using wild yeasts. The wine is then aged for 12 months in a combination of French oak and concrete eggs to preserve the natural character of the variety. The nose is wonderfully complex opening with tropical fruit and hints of toasted almonds and fresh pastries. The first sip reveals a full body, rich, creamy texture and a bright streak of acidity that provides a perfect foil to the luscious fruity flavours.