2022 Chardonnay, Ram's Gate Estate

Crafted at the close of a historic three-year drought, 2022 is a testament to how adversity can focus flavor and intensity. Yields were low—drastically so—but the resulting wine is anything but sparse. Instead, it is layered, expressive, and deeply resonant. 

As with the 2020 vintage, this Chardonnay is a study in restraint and slow development. Its élevage extended over 16 months, the longest of any white wine we produce, allowing the wine time to harmonize and build complexity. 

The aromatics are nothing short of radiant. Bursting from the glass are vivid notes of citrus blossom, honeydew melon, chamomile tea, and honeycomb, all underscored by a clean thread of minerality and subtle creaminess. At the wine’s core is the Wente clone, delivering bursts of texture and energy across the palate. 

Now in its third year of certified organic farming, the Estate Chardonnay requires meticulous care throughout the growing season. The vineyard team fine-tunes the canopy, balancing dappled sunlight and airflow to nurture optimal ripening. Cover crops and compost rejuvenate the soil, enhancing microbial life and enriching the vineyard’s natural vitality. The result? A vintage both technically precise and emotionally compelling. 

Despite its extended aging, the 2022 Estate Chardonnay remains youthful, energetic, and full of promise. It’s delicious now but has the structure and balance to age gracefully for years. Cellaring may be wise, but resisting its early charms will be a challenge.