2019 Russian River Woolsey Road Chardonnay
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Tasting notes
Cool, rather sweet, floral aromas. Crisp, precise structure with a light note of putty. A very pretty wine with a savoury, dry finish. On the delicate side. I think this might be difficult to place in Russian River Valley if it were served blind. (JR)
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Jancis Robinson MW
Jeb Dunnuck
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The Woolsey Road Vineyard property is owned by the Martinelli family, but the Chardonnay was planted exclusively for Ramey with old Wente cuttings from the Hyde Vineyard of Carneros. The 2019 Chardonnay Woolsey Road Vineyard was aged for 20 months in 20% new French oak. It is lifted with delicate white floral aromas, flinty smoke, and fresh herbs. The palate is energetic and persistent, with pithy lemon citrus and stony earth. Allow several years in cellar to unwind and drink 2025-2035.
The 2019 Chardonnay Woolsey Road Vineyard has singular scents of warm peaches and burnt lemon with touches of meringue, beeswax, saline and flint. The medium-bodied palate is energetic and tense at this youthful stage, its satiny texture opposed by tangy freshness, and it finishes long and flinty. It will be long lived in bottle and will benefit from 3-5 more years under cork. 624 cases were made.
The 2019 Chardonnay Woolsey Road Vineyard is an attractive wine. Even so, I see fewer vintage signatures than in the past. All the elements are nicely balanced, there's just not a ton of distinction. Citrus confit and floral accents struggle to emerge. I would prefer to see a bit more depth.