Audrey Frick writes: From the old Wente clone, the 2020 Chardonnay Woolsey Road Vineyard has a soft floral perfume of chamomile and takes on ripe aromas of yellow pear, golden fruits, and cantaloupe. Full-bodied, it has wonderful intensity on the palate, with notes of ripe apricot and fresh flowers as well as a great chalky texture and a savory finish. It’s a great wine in the lineup to drink over the next 10 or more years. - Jeb Dunnuck 96
Erin Brooks writes: The 2020 Chardonnay Woolsey Road Vineyard was harvested on August 17th before the wildfire smoke arrived, and with its pure, mineral-driven expression, it's worth cellaring for several years. The nose opens with iodine and nori tones that give way to pretty scents of panna cotta, spring honey and lilac. The medium-bodied palate is buzzing with shimmery acidity that enlivens its perfumed fruit, and it has a long, saline-driven finish. - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 96
MaryAnn Worobiec writes: Shows juicy apple and pear flavors that are crisp and sleek, with lemon meringue, ginger and tropical hints on an appealingly dense, fleshy frame. Delivering details of toasted herbs and minerality, this is harmonious and expressive on the long finish. Drink now. 359 cases made. - Wine Spectator 93
Producer Notes
Coming from special vineyard sites, Ramey Chardonnays show great depth of flavor, length of finish, aromatic complexity, and a fine balance between richness and delicacy. Typically, the climate is cool and the soil vigor low, producing graceful yet vibrant wines.
After 20 months in 20% new François Frères French oak barrels, the Chardonnay is traditionally fined for clarity and texture and bottled without filtration.
Critics Notes
Audrey Frick writes: From the old Wente clone, the 2020 Chardonnay Woolsey Road Vineyard has a soft floral perfume of chamomile and takes on ripe aromas of yellow pear, golden fruits, and cantaloupe. Full-bodied, it has wonderful intensity on the palate, with notes of ripe apricot and fresh flowers as well as a great chalky texture and a savory finish. It’s a great wine in the lineup to drink over the next 10 or more years. - Jeb Dunnuck 96
Erin Brooks writes: The 2020 Chardonnay Woolsey Road Vineyard was harvested on August 17th before the wildfire smoke arrived, and with its pure, mineral-driven expression, it's worth cellaring for several years. The nose opens with iodine and nori tones that give way to pretty scents of panna cotta, spring honey and lilac. The medium-bodied palate is buzzing with shimmery acidity that enlivens its perfumed fruit, and it has a long, saline-driven finish. - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 96
MaryAnn Worobiec writes: Shows juicy apple and pear flavors that are crisp and sleek, with lemon meringue, ginger and tropical hints on an appealingly dense, fleshy frame. Delivering details of toasted herbs and minerality, this is harmonious and expressive on the long finish. Drink now. 359 cases made. - Wine Spectator 93
