Ramey Fort Ross-seaview Sonoma Chardonnay

VINEYARDS Soil & Clonal Selection This is the seventh vintage to be dominated by the Martinelli Charles Ranch on Bohan Dillon Road. The vineyard was planted in 1982 by George Hastings Charles (Lee Jr.’s maternal grandfather called PaPa). The soil is Goldridge and Josephine; Goldridge comes from sandstone and Josephine is from shale. The vineyard was planted mixed Wente with other Chardonnay clones. VINTAGE Growing Season 2014 was another classic vintage. A mild winter and spring caused an early bud break followed by consistent temperatures throughout the summer promoting even ripening. We had ample hang time which in turn yielded intense varietal character and a rich texture. 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 15% new French oak barrels (Francois Freres and Demptos) this Chardonnay was fined for clarity and tex