2005 Ramey Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard- USA, California, Napa Valley, Carneros (1/31/2010)
Bought 50% off a biz closing. First white of the year, wanted something to go with the fennel salt chicken. Popped and poured. Consumed over the course of three hours. Color is a bright yellow-gold with a slight hint of green. Fascinating aromas lemon, lime, poached pear, and some smokiness and white flowers. Reminds me of a Talley Rosemary (which is a compliment). More lim-on the mouth, but with some peach/nectarine, too… and the smokiness is still there on the finish (with some herbs… maybe tarragon and/or thyme). Good acidity. Can age easily for several more years. (93 pts.)
Brett = great note. I love the Ramey Chards. Took Traci to a tasting at Ramey once and the Chards just rocked. Easily one of the top 5 Chard makers in CA.
Drinking an 06 Ramey Syrah Rodgers Creek, Sonoma Coast right now and it is incredible! Very Big Basin like with it’s cracked pepper, dark chocolate, tar, florals, and a nice focussed palate of red and black fruits with excellent structuure, nice purity and great typicity. Very enjoyable.