Yet another vital and very deeply filled Chardonnay that marks one more success for Ramey in 2012, this deep, but somewhat tightly drawn wine marries a good bit of vibrant, slightly juicy young fruit with very well-measured oak and complexing accents of stony spice. It, too, is wonderfully energetic and layered, and it possesses remarkable length with more than enough structure and depth to make a few years of waiting a wise course to take.

This wine comes from a new vineyard source for the producer, who continues to astound with Chardonnay. The site rises to well-crafted heights in the winemaker’s hands. Made in a small quantity, the wine offers zesty lemon intensity and concentrated acidity, the entire balanced experience rewarding in its bright complexity.

Medium-light golden yellow; attractive, intense, nutty, mandarin orange, green apple, and white peach aroma; medium-full body; forward, crisp, citrus and green apple flavors with bright acidity and a slight creaminess in the mouthfeel; lingering aftertaste. Very highly recommended.

A wine of real phenolic depth and density, the 2012 Chardonnay Woolsey Road Vineyard is all about texture, but here the impression is more of verticality. Creamy and voluptuous to the core, the Woolsey boasts superb overall balance and tons of complexity. Hints of apple, pear and spice blossom in a Chardonnay that captures the essence of Russian River Chardonnay. The Woolsey Road, from a three acre parcel farmed by the Martinelli family is an addition to David Ramey's range. The 2012 is a real standout in this range.

A small cuvée of 300 cases, the 2012 Chardonnay Woolsey Road Vineyard is fashioned from an Old Wente clone of Chardonnay. From classic, loamy, sandy Goldridge soils, it offers up beautiful aromas of pears, honeysuckle crème brûlée and peaches. With crisp acidity, an elegant, medium to full-bodied mouthfeel, impressive purity and length, this gorgeous Chardonnay should drink well for 5-7 years.