Ramey 2023 Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay, Russian River Valley
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98 points
Another great chardonnay release from the master David Ramey and Sonoma's legendary Ritchie Vineyard. Get some while it's still available.
97 Points Jeb Dunnuck: "The Ramey 2023 Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard is light on its feet, with appealing lift and spice, as well as flinty wet stones, dewy earth, salted lime, lemon meringue, key lime, and fresh pastry notes. A bright but pale yellow color, it’s full-bodied yet incredibly elegant and refined, with a waxy texture and terrific depth on the palate. Drink over the coming 20 years. Drink 2026-2046."
97 Points James Suckling: "An opulent, ripe and lush white that overflows with fragrant pear, lemon blossom, baked apple and honey flavors that coat the palate and linger long in the finish. Not too full-bodied at 13.5% alcohol, yet it has the lushness and concentration to make it memorable. It's the last vintage of Ramey Ritchie. Drink now or hold."
96 Points 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. œWe 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."
95 Points Robert Parker: "The 2023 Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard is the last iteration of this single vineyard from the Ramey family, who is sourcing more fruit from their estate vineyards and other multigenerational family farms. What a way to go out—it’s intensely perfumed and expressive! It floods the senses with waves of matchstick, peach, pineapple, lemongrass and jasmine. The full-bodied palate is highly concentrated with hedonistic, flint-laced flavors. Its generosity is foiled by racy acidity, and it has a long, shimmery finish."
