Oregon

RAM Cellars, Chardonnay - 2023

Brian Hibbard

— 2 min read
RAM Cellars, Chardonnay - 2023
Cristina Gonzales and Viv. Photo courtesy of Eater Portland

Fast Facts:

Winemaker(s): Vivianne Kennedy
Region: Columbia Gorge & Columbia Valley, Washington
Varietal(s): Chardonnay
Terroir: Volcanic silty loam on Underwood Mountain, Columbia Gorge winds, maritime influence
Serving Temp: 50-55°F

Vivianne Kennedy! A true all star of Field's wine world. Last year, we had Viv up for a Dope Dinner AND aperitivo tasting, and wowow the talent, the care. Her path to winemaking started with a two-hour conversation at a Yakima Valley barrel tasting 15 years ago. It cracked her brain open - she realized she had a burning desire to understand the confluence of art and science behind wine. She studied through WSU's programs, volunteered at wineries, and launched RAM Cellars in 2014. The name honors her late grandfather's initials, one of her biggest supporters.

In 2018, Vivianne came out as a transgender woman, a decision that saved her life. The following year she launched VIV, a sub-label where $3 from every bottle sold goes to nonprofits supporting queer and transgender folks. Now RAM Cellars is run by an all-queer production team, producing around 1,500 to 2,000 cases per year of natural wines from Oregon and Washington vineyards.

This lovely 2023 Chardonnay blends 20-year-old vines from South Hill Vineyard up on Underwood Mountain in the Columbia Gorge with organically managed Canyon's Gate fruit over near Yakima. Vivianne ferments and ages entirely in stainless steel but with extended sur lie aging to add some extra texture and depth without any oak. This is what I call a best-of-both-worlds Chardonnay - fresh and zippy, but with a lil extra texture.

Why'd we pick it?

We love Viv. She's been a huge supporter and friend of Field over the years, and I absolutely adore her wines and her vibration and energy. RAM is run by an all-queer production team, and her VIV label puts $3 from every bottle directly into the hands of organizations doing real work: Q Center, Trans Lifeline, and Transgender Legal Defense Fund.

Oh, and this Chardonnay? Only 50 cases made.

Field Notes

  • Tastes like: Pomelo, brioche, honeydew melon, lemon curd, and orange blossom. Super ocean! With some soft floral herbaceousness throughout
  • Serve it cold, fridge temp is perfect, maybe 10 minutes out to open up. Or, just pour and swirl for a nice long while.
  • Food Pairings: This is a gorgeous wine for your raw oysters! Maybe head up to Hama and get some crab cakes while you're at it? If it's an in-night, a roast chicken with herbs will do nicely, or honestly just make a huge bowl of popcorn with plenty of legit butter.

Read more