The 2022 Ramey Rochioli Vineyard Chardonnay hails from the Russian River Valley in Sonoma, California, a region renowned for producing high-quality Chardonnay. This wine is produced by Ramey, a winery with a reputation for crafting exceptional wines. The Rochioli family, who have been cultivating grapes since the late 1950s, provide the fruit for this wine, with the vineyard now under the care of the third generation.
The 2022 vintage of this Chardonnay is distinguished by its blend sourced from 82% Mid-40 Block and 18% River Block. This particular vintage offers a notable intensity of fruit flavors complemented by pressed wildflowers. Decanter describes the wine as having a "gorgeous intensity of fruit," with ripe lemon peel flavors that evolve on the palate. The mid-palate is characterized by an increasing density and tension, balanced by an "extraordinary silky richness."
The tasting profile is further enhanced by subtle vanilla notes, a fantastic ginger character, and the presence of poached pear. Decanter praises the wine for its "pure and riveting" nature, emphasizing its intense richness and impressive length. The publication awarded the wine an excellent score of 95, underscoring its quality and appeal.
The 2022 Ramey Rochioli Vineyard Chardonnay continues the legacy of the vineyard-designate releases from Ramey, which began with the 2015 vintage. Despite the relatively recent introduction of these releases, Ramey has been sourcing grapes from the Rochioli Vineyard since 2008, showcasing a consistent dedication to quality.
Overall, this Chardonnay exemplifies the harmonious blend of rich flavors and refined elegance, making it a standout choice for enthusiasts seeking a well-balanced and compelling wine experience.