The 2022 Ramey Woolsey Road Vineyard Chardonnay, hailing from the Russian River Valley in California, is a notable entry in the Chardonnay category, produced by the well-regarded Ramey winery. This wine, originating from a vineyard owned by the Martinelli family and meticulously planted to Ramey's specifications, has been celebrated for its distinctive characteristics and potential.
Decanter, a respected publication in the wine industry, awarded this Chardonnay an impressive score of 96 points. According to Decanter, this wine is crafted from the Hyde family’s cuttings of Old Wente Chardonnay and benefits from the expertise of the third and fourth generations of the Martinelli family, who farm the vineyard. The review highlights the wine's "remarkable flavour intensity," showcasing "rich citrus fruit—lemon, lime, and grapefruit zest—woven with oyster shell minerality." The wine is described as "restrained yet brimming with tension," indicating a wine that is both complex and balanced.
The vineyard itself, situated directly south of the Martinelli Winery on Woolsey Road, is planted on a northeast-facing slope with Huichica clay loam over clay soil. This specific terroir, along with the low vigour 420A rootstock, contributes significantly to the wine's "mineral-driven precision."
Decanter emphasizes the wine's "depth of fruit and mineral integrity," suggesting that while it may currently appear "somewhat shy," it has the potential to develop into a "rich and excellent wine." The review concludes with high praise for the wine’s "focused and laser-like precision," making it clear that this Chardonnay is one to watch as it matures.
In summary, the 2022 Ramey Woolsey Road Vineyard Chardonnay is a wine of significant promise, with an excellent review from Decanter highlighting its complexity and potential.