Ramey Russian River Chardonnay

Soil & Clonal Selection These are cool sites with low vigor soil like Goldridge Loam planted between 1969 and 2006. Some vineyards are planted to a larger-clustered clone-typically UC Davis clone 4- or they might be a younger planting of a Wente or Dijon selection. 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 distinct varietal character with a smooth rich texture. Fermentation We press the whole clusters for phenolic delicacy. Native-yeast and full native malolactic fermentation take place in barrel with sur lies batonnage. Aging After aging 12 months in 13% new French oak barrels (Francois Freres Demptos & Taransaud) this Chardonnay is fined for clarity in tank during the following harvest. It was then bottled without filtration in February 2016. – Ramey