Raen Winery
Chardonnay 'Fort Ross-Seaview Charles Ranch'
Chardonnay 'Fort Ross-Seaview Charles Ranch'
- 100% chardonnay
- hillside site in rugged Fort Ross-Seaview
- 1,200 ft elevation
- Planted in 1981
- Wente clone on pre-phylloxera AXR St. George rootstock
- Whole Cluster pressed
- Native yeast fermentation
- 12.5% alc
Info
Producer:
Vintage:
2024
Country:
United States
Region:
California
Appellation:
West Sonoma Coast
Variety:
Chardonnay
Color:
White
Farming Practice:
Practicing Organic
Sizes Available
| Full Bottle | US-RAE-10-24 | 6/750ml |
Tasting Notes
Aromas of white flowers, lemon pith, and just-ripe white summer peach rise from the glass, carried by the imprint of wet grey rock, fragrant honeysuckle, and a subtle touch of lightly baked brioche. The palate unfolds with notes of barely ripe nectarine, citrus blossom, and minerality, capturing both the raw power and elegance of this windswept site. With a round and textural palate, the wine’s depth, length, and precision ends with racy, crystalline finish.
Press & Reviews
Vinous
Score
97
Date
2026-01-13
"The 2024 Chardonnay Charles Ranch is a wine of exceptional finesse, with silky contours and caressing layers of tangerine peel and passion fruit. All of the pedigree of this great site comes through loud and clear in this stunning Chardonnay. The fruit was sourced entirely from the old-vine sections, planted in 1981."
REVIEWS FROM PAST VINTAGES
2023
James Suckling
Score
100
Date
2025-02-06
"A brilliant, elegant, vivid wine with so much concentration, but so light, elegant and well balanced. Toasted almond, mineral and lemon curd aromas, then a creamy, layered texture backed by tangy acidity. Lemon pith, creme brulee, cheese rind, crisp pears, golden apples, minerals and kiwis on the palate. So long and lingering in the finish, yet light in alcohol at 12.5%. All barrel-fermented in 10% to 15% new oak, and it goes through full malolactic. Drink now or hold."
2023
Vinous
Score
94
Date
2025-01-30
"The 2023 Chardonnay Charles Ranch is stellar. Creamy and resonant, with terrific persistence, the 2023 dazzles from start to finish. White pepper, slate, chalk, mint and crushed rocks soar from the glass. Brisk acids pull it all together on the long, persistent finish. My personal preference is for a bit more mid-palate richness, but this is a bit lean because of the cold, late-ripening season."
2023
Wine Advocate
Score
91
Date
2025-08-07
"The 2023 Chardonnay Charles Ranch is soft and ethereal. It has slowly unfurling aromas of crème brûlée that give way to quince, hazelnut, beeswax and spice. At a modest 12.5% alcohol, the light-bodied palate offers understated, honey-nut flavors energized by vibrant acidity, and it has a long, mineral-driven finish."