2024 Ramey Chardonnay Fort Ross-Seaview Sonoma Coast

WINEMAKING
Varietal Composition 100% Chardonnay
Fermentation We press the fruit whole cluster for delicacy. Native-yeast and full native
malolactic fermentation take place in barrel, with sur lies bâtonnage.
Aging After aging 12 months in 10% new French oak barrels (Taransaud Beaune,
François Frères), the Chardonnay was traditionally fined for clarity and texture
during the following harvest and bottled without filtration in February 2023.

About Ramey

Ramey Wine Cellars, founded in 1996 by David Ramey, is a distinguished winery located in Healdsburg, California. Known for its dedication to crafting wines that marry Old World techniques with the unique terroirs of Sonoma and Napa, Ramey Wine Cellars has significantly influenced the California wine industry. David Ramey, a pioneering winemaker, has played a crucial role in this transformation, introducing innovative methods such as whole-cluster pressing, sur lies aging, and native yeast fermentations. These techniques have earned him the nickname “Professor Chardonnay” and a declaration in the Congressional Record for his contributions to American winemaking​.

Before founding his own winery, David Ramey honed his skills at several prestigious Napa Valley wineries. He worked at Dominus Estate, where he collaborated with Christian Moueix, gaining invaluable experience in producing Bordeaux-style wines. Ramey also contributed to the success of Chalk Hill and Matanzas Creek, where he implemented many of his groundbreaking techniques. Additionally, he worked at Rudd Estate, further cementing his reputation as a leading winemaker in Napa Valley. These experiences provided Ramey with a deep understanding of the region’s terroir and winemaking potential​.

David Ramey’s journey began in Bordeaux, where he worked at Château Pétrus. This experience deeply informed his approach to winemaking, blending traditional methods with innovative practices. His vision was to create classically styled and balanced wines that age gracefully. This vision has been realized through meticulous vineyard management and innovative winemaking techniques, producing world-class Chardonnays, Cabernet Sauvignons, and Syrahs that have garnered critical acclaim and high scores from wine publications​.