2022 Ramey Rochioli Vineyard Chardonnay [JD98][WA97][D95][JS95][WS95]

Producer: Ramey Wine Cellars 
Region: Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California  
Varietal: Chardonnay 
Year: 2022 

Jeb Dunnuck, 98 Points 

"The 2022 Chardonnay Rochioli Vineyard pours a bright silver/yellow hue and is electric and focused in the glass, with bright flinty reduction, lime zest, rocky earth, white pepper, ripe fresh green apples, melon, and citrus blossoms. The palate is elegant, focused, and more savory and mouthwatering, with a fresh, rounded feel. It’s a highlight for me in the range and is going to be worth checking in on over the coming 15 years." 

Wine Advocate, 97 Points 

"The 2022 Chardonnay Rochioli Vineyard is stunning! Sourced from vines planted in 1989, 1995 and 1998, grapes were harvested on August 22, before the Labor Day heat wave. The wine was barrel-fermented, underwent full malolactic conversion and matured for 20 months in 20% new French oak barrels. It has an intense perfume of candied peach and nectarine, honeycomb, matchstick and soaring floral aromas. The palate is satiny and expansive with concentrated, mouth-coating flavors. It’s balanced by vibrant acidity and has a tremendously long finish." 

Decanter, 95 Points 

"The Rochioli family has been growing grapes on their property since the late 1950s, with the vineyard now farmed by the third generation. The 2021 Ramey Rochioli blend is sourced from 82% Mid-40 Block and 18% River Block. This wine delivers a gorgeous intensity of fruit and pressed wildflowers. On the palate, ripe lemon peel fruit expands into the mid-palate, where density builds alongside remarkable tension, all balanced by an extraordinary silky richness. Pure and riveting, laced with subtle vanilla accents, fantastic ginger character, and poached pear. A Chardonnay of intense richness and impressive length. (The first vineyard-designate release from Ramey was the 2015 vintage, though Ramey has been sourcing these grapes since 2008.)" 

James Suckling, 95 Points 

"A creamy, delicate wine from a famous, time-tested vineyard. It shows intricate layers of lemon curd, meringue, lime zest and crisp apples on an elegant texture. It emphasizes mineral and saline flavors that expand slowly on the palate and linger in the finish. Drink now or hold." 

Wine Spectator, 95 Points 

"This white's impressive flavors of fresh, ripe peach and apricot are fleshy and juicy, with vibrant accents of Fuji apple, pear and grilled lemon, while the acidity gives more energy to the core. Grace notes of candied citrus zest, crunchy sea salt and fennel pollen, plus a touch of lemon basil, gain momentum on the finish. Drink now through 2039. 667 cases made." 

Winemaker Notes: 

"The Rochioli name is synonymous with quality, and this vineyard-designate Chardonnay represents a collaboration between multi-generation winegrowing families. The vineyard is now farmed by the third generation." 

Alcohol: 14.5%