Year after year the wines from Ramey Wine Cellars are nothing short of spectacular.
International Wine Report
About the Wine
This is made using a few different sites throughout the Russian River AVA. Given the dedication that Ramey have to their vineyards, what you see in the bottle is an amalgamation which is greater than the sum of its parts. Fruit quality sings and flavours soar.
With slightly less time in oak than the rest of the range (12 months), and slightly less new oak too (15%), this is a more immediately balanced and subtle Chardonnay. There is still a lovely ripeness and richness, like biting into a juicy nectarine, but a lot more vitality than vigour. Freshness dominates, with apples, pears and stone fruits balanced by a soft creaminess and cleansing minerality. What a showstopper.
About Ramey
David Ramey is a name to remember. He started his own wine label in 1996 and is counted with some of America's most influential winemakers. Looking at his resume, anything else would be a shame - he has made wine at some of the most renowned wineries in the world, like Chateau Petrus and Dominus.
With a mentality of making wines which are 'bold, but in check,' Ramey focuses on native yeasts, sur lie ageing and barrel fermentation. This results in a new California style, one which combines rich lushness with softness, delicacy and balance.

Sonoma, California