Cathal McBride - Ramey Russian River Valley Chardonnay, 2019 & Groot Constantia Chardonnay, 2021

"For me, the finest examples come from the cooler Sonoma Coast and the Russian River Valley. I reviewed the 2019 Ramey Russian River Chardonnay (Whelehans Wines, €55) last Christmas, but it would be remiss of me not to remind you of its beauty.
A delightfully textured mouthfeel is enlivened by exciting citrus acidity to create a balanced profile. Buy and drink this stunning wine from now into the next decade."

"Groot Chardonnay 2021 (Whelehans Wines, €29) from Constantia in the Western Cape is one I urge you to try. A fresh nose with kumquat and pear is extended, clean and pure. This is a special wine, refined and understated with finesse where clean acidity tempers the richness and a mineral streak offers complexity. The best South African expressions show a restraint in the use of oak and present with exciting acidity and minerality."

Cathal McBride, Business Post, 16th of August 2023.