Ramey Chardonnay

Description

”VINEYARDS Sites 36% from four different Dutton ranches Perry, Mengle, Sebastopol & Mill Station; 16% from Martinellis Laughlin Road Vineyard; 13% from King Vineyard; 13% from four Rochioli vineyards Allen, Mid-40, River, Hill; 10% from Forchini Vineyard; 5% from Westside Farms; 4% Frostwatch; and 3% from Hudson Vineyard.Soil & Clonal Selection These are cool sites, with low vigor soil like Goldridge Loam and planted between 1969 to 2006. Some vineyards are planted to a larger-clustered clonetypically, UC Davis clone 4 or they might be a younger planting of a Wente or Dijon selection.VINTAGE Growing Season 2013 summed up to be a perfect vintage with clear sunny days and cool evenings. This produced a long, moderate growing season with extended hang time and even ripening, resulting in silky tannins and a full range flavors while retaining natural acidity.WINEMAKING Fermentation We press the whole clusters for delicacy. Native-yeast and full native malolactic fermentation take place in barrel, with sur lies batonnage.Aging After aging 12 months in 14% new French and Hungarian oak barrels Francois Freres and Demptos, this Chardonnay is fined and stabilized in tank during the following harvest. It was then bottled without filtration in February, 2015. – RameyComing from special vineyard sites, our Chardonnays show great depth of flavor, length of finish, aromatic complexity, and a fine balance between richness and delicacy. Typically, the climate is cool and the soil vigor low, producing graceful yet vibrant wines. – David Ramey, Winemaker