Name: Ramey Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard 2022 750ml
Brand: Ramey
SKU: 991673
Price: 84.94 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 95.2 (6 reviews)

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Winery

Ramey

Shop all from Ramey

Varietal

Chardonnay

Of all the white wine grape varietals, surely the one that has spread the furthest and is most widely appreciated is Chardonnay. This green-skinned grape is now grown all over the Old and New Worlds, from New Zealand to the Americas, from England to Chile, and is one of the first varietals people think of when considering white wine grapes. Perhaps this is because of its huge popularity, which reached a peak in the 1990s, thanks to new technologies combining with traditional methods to bring the very best features out of the Chardonnay grape and allow its unique qualities to shine through. Most fine Chardonnay wines use a process known as malolactic fermentation, wherein the malic acids in the grape juice are converted to lactic acids, allowing a creamier, buttery nature to come forward in the wine. No grape varietal is better suited to this process than Chardonnay, which manages to balance these silky, creamy notes with fresh white fruit flavors beautifully.

Country

United States

Of all the New World wine countries, perhaps the one which has demonstrated the most flair for producing high quality wines - using a combination of traditional and forward-thinking contemporary methods - has been the United States of America. For the past couple of centuries, the United States has set about transforming much of its suitable land into vast vineyards, capable of supporting a wide variety of world-class grape varietals which thrive on both the Atlantic and the Pacific coastlines. Of course, we immediately think of sun-drenched California in regards to American wines, with its enormous vineyards responsible for the New World's finest examples of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot based wines, but many other states have taken to viticulture in a big way, with impressive results. Oregon, Washington State and New York have all developed sophisticated and technologically advanced wine cultures of their own, and the output of U.S wineries is increasing each year as more and more people are converted to their produce.

Region

California

California as a wine producing region has grown in size and importance considerably over the past couple of centuries, and today is the proud producer of more than ninety percent of the United States' wines. Indeed, if California was a country, it would be the fourth largest producer of wine in the world, with a vast range of vineyards covering almost half a million acres. The secret to California's success as a wine region has a lot to do with the high quality of its soils, and the fact that it has an extensive Pacific coastline which perfectly tempers the blazing sunshine it experiences all year round. The winds coming off the ocean cool the vines, and the natural valleys and mountainsides which make up most of the state's wine regions make for ideal areas in which to cultivate a variety of high quality grapes.

Appellation

Sonoma Coast

Sonoma Coast, a prized wine appellation in California, stands out for its breathtaking landscapes and cool-climate viticulture. What makes Sonoma Coast unique is its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, bringing maritime influences that create ideal conditions for growing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. The region's diverse topography, including rolling hills and coastal ridges, allows for a range of microclimates, contributing to the complexity and character of its wines. Sonoma Coast wines, particularly Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, are celebrated for their elegance, vibrant acidity, and expressive fruit flavors. Notable sub-appellations like Russian River Valley and Fort Ross-Seaview exemplify the diversity within the larger Sonoma Coast region. Winemakers embrace sustainable practices, further enhancing the appellation's appeal. Exploring Sonoma Coast offers wine enthusiasts a captivating journey into the synergy between land and vine, where the Pacific's influence shapes wines of remarkable finesse and distinct terroir expression.

JD 97pts

Jeb Dunnuck

The 2022 Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard is a brilliant medium yellow color and offers Grand Cru-like depth. It’s spicy on the nose with bright flint, smoky wet rocks, deeper spice, fresh yellow apples, spicy aromatics, light honeyed citrus, and candle wax. It has a more rounded feel on the midpalate, with a crystalline glycerin feel, a full-bodied frame, and persistent length. Drink 2025-2040.

JS 96pts

James Suckling

The Ritchie Vineyard would be a grand cru if Sonoma was Burgundy, and Ramey offers one of the best renditions of it. Gorgeous, vibrant fruit melds with a pronounced minerality. There are stony and spicy nuances on a great structure of racy acidity. No hurry to drink this wine; it will gain even more complexity and layers with time. Drink or hold.

DC 96pts

Decanter

Legendary for its old Chardonnay vines and unusual mix of disparate soils, Ritchie Vineyard is home to Ramey's 20 rows, planted in 1972. Part of this selection includes Old Wente Clone. “We have worked with the same 20 rows since 2002,” says Claire Ramey. This wine exudes a beautiful floral lift, while the palate is nothing short of a steel beam of intensity, softened by a juicy core. Layers of citrus peel, apricot, and poached pear unfold, leading to a fabulous sprinkling of crunchy sea salt on the finish. One of the most food-friendly wines in the lineup, it demands pairing with rich fish or chicken dishes. Mineral intensity lingers long on the finish, reinforcing its precision and structure.

WA 94pts

Wine Advocate

The 2022 Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard comes from Old Wente and a few Musqué selection vines planted in 1972 on gravelly, sandy Goldridge loam. The grapes were harvested on August 20, before the devastating Labor Day heat wave. The wine was barrel-fermented, underwent full malolactic conversion and was matured for 20 months in 20% new French oak barrels. It has layered aromas of peach, apricot, panna cotta, matchstick and citrus blossoms. The palate features concentrated, spicy flavors matched by well-integrated new oak. It’s balanced by mouthwatering acidity and has a long, dynamic finish. Powerful yet energetic, it will benefit from several years in the cellar.

WS 94pts

Wine Spectator

A complex white, with lemon tart, candied ginger and tangerine notes that are fresh and juicy, plus dried lemongrass, preserved lemon, lime zest, yuzu, pomelo and green tea accents. The mouthwatering core is generous. Long finish. Drink now through 2039.

VM 94pts

Vinous Media

The 2022 Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard is fabulous. A Chardonnay of stature and textural finesse, the 2022 is super-expressive right out of the gate. There's gorgeous oiliness and nuance here. Ritchie is one of the great sites in the Russian River Valley. Vibrant mineral notes play off the wine's notable richness. This is a fine example.