The 2023 Ramey Chardonnay from the Russian River Valley in Sonoma is a noteworthy example of Californian winemaking expertise. This white wine, produced by Ramey, is a Chardonnay varietal that has received high praise from critics for its quality and balance.

Decanter awarded this wine an impressive score of 95, describing it as "clean and sleek," with a "beautifully balanced medium-bodied" profile. The wine is crafted from grapes sourced from several cool-climate sites, including Lafranchi, Westside Farms, and others, which are known for their low-vigour soils like Goldridge loam. These vineyards, planted between 1978 and 2017, contribute to the wine's complexity and depth.

The wine undergoes aging for 12 months on the lees in barrel, with 10% new French oak, which imparts subtle nuances to its flavor profile. According to Decanter, this Chardonnay showcases "luxuriously ripe stone and orchard fruit," and the tasting notes highlight exotic baking spices, guava, white peach, macerated mango, and apricot. The review emphasizes the wine's "intensity and purity of the fruit," describing it as "profoundly spicy and laser-focused."

Priced at $50, Decanter considers this Chardonnay to be "one of the finest, most balanced, and well-structured Chardonnays from the Russian River Valley at this price point." This wine is recommended for those who appreciate a well-crafted, richly flavored Chardonnay that offers excellent value for its quality.