Reserve Selection / 2023 Raymond Reserve Chardonnay

The grapes for this Chardonnay were harvested from eight vineyards between October 7 and October 25. Six of these vineyards are located in the Napa Carneros region, with the majority of the fruit sourced from two key areas. One lies along Buhman Avenue, where a mix of flat and rolling hills on Bressa soils (sandstone over shale) contributes classic pear, melon, and honey notes with bright citrus accents. The other, at the end of Duhig Road, is planted on Haire loam soils (clay), which enhance the wine’s acidity and structure. The remaining two vineyards, situated on the Sonoma side, are planted on Zamora and Reyes soils. These sites add richness, an oily texture, and a glycerol-like mouthfeel, further enhancing the wine’s depth. 

Fermented in barrels, with 22% aged in new French oak, the wine underwent 52% malolactic fermentation, creating a broader, more textured body while preserving its bright acidity. The result is a well-balanced, ageworthy Chardonnay with exceptional food-pairing potential.