An icon in California wine, David Ramey is the owner/winemaker of one of the great Sonoma wineries. Sourcing form some of the great vineyards in Sonoma, David Ramey has gained a worldwide reputation for his outstanding red and white wines. He is one of the outstanding producers of Chardonnay. Describing his style of winemaking can be difficult. Typically he uses a limited amount of oak in his wines, so there is a wonderful freshness and purity of fruit in his Chardonnay. Ramey likes to source from a range of vineyards, from the Sonoma Coast and inland. His single vineyard Chardonnays show incredible terroir, richness, range and poise that few other wines can achieve.
An outstanding value Chardonnay, the 2014 Ramey ‘Sonoma Coast’ Chardonnay (WWB, 93) has a wonderful minerality and a silky texture. This marvelous wine will cellar well for a decade or more. Outrageously good and memorable, his 2014 Ramey ‘Hyde Vineyard’ Chardonnay (WWB, 95) is one of the most outstanding Chardonnay bottling that I have sampled in the past year. The range and sterling tension of this wine is impeccable. Learn more about these gorgeous wines at http://www.rameywine.com Here are the great new Chardonnay releases by Ramey and superstar winemaker David Ramey.
2014 Ramey ‘Russian River Valley’ Chardonnay- This great golden-hued Chardonnay was sourced from 41% Dutton Ranch Vineyards, 19% Martinelli’s Laughlin Road Vineyard, 15% Rochioli Vineyard, 13% Forchini Vineyard, 11% Westside Farms Vineyard and 1% Hyde Robert Young Vineyard. The wine weighs in at 14.5% alcohol and was aged for 12 months in 13% new French oak prior to bottling. Aromatics of butterscotch, roasted pineapple and ripe banana fill the glass. The lemon oil grabs you instantly once in the mouth, with poached pear and banana accents — all leading to an exceedingly long, cream driven finish. Enjoy this exceptional wine over the next decade. Drink 2017-2027- 92 $40.00
2014 Ramey ‘Sonoma Coast’ Chardonnay- The 2014 Ramey ‘Sonoma Coast’ was sourced from largely the Martinelli Charles Ranch Vineyard, with a smaller portion being from the Platt Vineyard. Both vineyards are largely planted on Goldridge soils. This wine saw 12 months in 15% new French oak prior to bottling. begins with aromas of wild mushroom, lemon zest and ripe pineapple. The minerality of this wine is lovely, as is the weight on the mid-palate. Poached pear, papaya, Meyer lemon and Pink Lady apple flavors connect with the lively tension in the glass. This finishes long with vanilla cream. Drink 2017-2027- 93 $40
2014 Ramey ‘Ritchie Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The Ritchie Vineyard is a widely spaced vineyard first planted in 1972 and utilize old Wente clones. This wine saw 30% new French oak for 19 months prior to bottling a swell as consistent battonage. This shows off aromas of Meyer lemon oil, grapefruit blossom and wild mushroom accents. The weight and texture to this wine is downright awesome as this delivers bright tree fruit flavors with creme brûlée and pineapple upside down cake. The near minute-long finish captivates the senses. This is a spectacular bottling by David Ramey which will drink marvelously over the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2017-2030- 94 $65
2014 Ramey ‘Westside Farms’ Chardonnay- Located in the Russian River Valley, the Westside Farms Vineyard is a 75 acre ranch that is set on Yolo silty loam soil. The wine was aged for 18 months in 30% new French oak prior to bottling and weights in at 14.5% alcohol. Beginning with aromatics of butterscotch, creme brûlée and wild mushroom with Golden Delicious apple. The sterling minerality to this wine entices. Crushed gravel, roasted pineapple, Meyer lemon oil and papaya flavors coat the mid-palate. Balanced and possessing wonderful length, this insanely delicious bottling will cellar well over the next ten plus years. Only 234 cases made of this outstanding wine. Drink 2017-2027- 94 $65
2014 Ramey ‘Woolsey Road Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The Woolsey Road Vineyard is located just south of the winery and was planted by the Martinelli family in 2007 with old Wente clone rootstocks.This wine was aged in 26% new French oak for 19 months prior to bottling. It begins with an aromatic display of lemon oil, creme brûlée and roasted pineapple. The palate is deep and plush, displaying an unctuous edge and marvelous tension. Deep Pink Lady apple, butterscotch and creme brûlée flavors impress. This heavy whipping cream driven finish delivers a glorious ending. Drink 2017-2027- 93 $65
2014 Ramey ‘Hyde Vineyard’ Chardonnay- Located in the Napa-Carneros AVA, the Hyde Vineyard is strongly influenced by the marine air that flow through the Petaluma Gap. The wine was aged in 31% new French oak for 20 months prior to bottling. The golden hued wine starts with aromas reminiscent of butterscotch, white truffle oil, Meyer lemon zest and Granny Smith apple. The combination of weight, astringency and range is astounding here. Creme brulee, bananas foster, Meyer lemon oil and Pink Lady apple pie flavors entice the mid-palate. Even better is the minute-long finish that completes this astounding wine. Impossible to resist now, this complete wine will cellar marvelously for the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2017-2033- 95 $65