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Tuesday, June 27th, 2023

Our top 5 California Chardonnay releases of 2023 are below, while still available. We were allocated only one case for each of Ramey's highest-rated releases in history, so move fast!

99 Points - Wine Enthusiast:

"This full-bodied, incredibly rich and mouth filling wine from a near-legendary vineyard saturates the palate with poached pears, marzipan, vanilla bean and crème brulee flavors, while being subtly lifted by a slice of tangy citrus that keeps it well balanced. Best from 2026–2036." *Cellar Selection* (JG)

97 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:

"...mineral-driven and powerful and offers a strong sense of place. Its aromas segue from iodine and saline to creamy citrus. The medium-bodied palate explodes with concentrated, savory fruit and tones of beeswax and flint. Its acidity is racy yet seamlessly integrated, and it has a very long, shimmery finish."

95 Points - Wine Spectator:

"Stunning, with a mouthwatering mix of Honeycrisp apple, Meyer lemon, tangerine and pear flavors that come across as powerful, sleek and exact. Reveals toasted green tea, fresh grated ginger and loads of citrus zest grace notes on the fresh finish. Drink now through 2030. 535 cases made."

97 Points - Wine Enthusiast:

"Great flavor concentration and a nicely taut structure define this beautifully balanced wine. It is refreshing and rich at the same time, carrying light lemon zest and green-apple skin accents on a delicious base of quince and Gravenstein apples, while gently coated with subtle shades of toasted oak. Best from 2026–2036. (JG)

95 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:

"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."

93 Points - Wine Spectator:

"A stunning white wine, with peach, marmalade, mango, pineapple and citrus flavors that are fresh and juicy on a fleshy, succulent frame. Reveals hints of nutmeg, vanilla cream and roasted, salted hazelnut on the finish. Drink now. 650 cases made." - Maryann Worobiec (7/23)

92 Points - Vinous:

“The 2021 Chardonnay Estate is fabulous. Bright, floral and nuanced, the Chardonnay Estate is a superb wine in this vintage. Lemon confit, white flowers, almond and light buttery notes build effortlessly. Medium in body and impeccable in its balance, the Estate is showing so well today. Drink 2023-2031.” - AG (4/23)

94 Points - Wine Spectator:

"A stunning white, succulent and juicy, like biting into a perfectly ripe Bosc pear, with details of apple, mango, peach and dried apricot that add complexity, while grace notes of salted butter, honeysuckle, lanolin and spices linger on the long, expressive finish. Drink now through 2030. 396 cases made."

92 Points - Wine Enthusiast:

Lovely aromas of Asian pear, delicate white lily, lime pith and river water invite the nose into this bottling. There's an impressively chalky texture on the palate, giving balance to the ripe apple and pineapple flesh flavors. MATT KETTMANN

92 Points - Wine Spectator:

Powerful, with richness to the concentrated salted butterscotch, peach pastry and dried apricot flavors. Delivers details of spices and honeycomb, with elegant, fresh acidity weaving in and out to highlight the flavors."

91 Points - Vinous:

"The 2021 Chardonnay (Carneros) is soft, open-knit and very easy to like. Lemon confit, white flowers, mint and white pepper lend vibrancy to this steely, finely-cut Chardonnay from Frank Family. All the elements are very nicely balanced throughout.