By: AJ McClellan
We had the opportunity to taste through the Ramey lineup yesterday. The wines are very impressive for their price point. David Ramey has spent his life creating great wines at wineries such as Matanzas Creek, Chalk Hill, Dominus, and Rudd. David first went to UC Davis but after graduating he went to work for the Moueix Family at Chateau Petrus for a time. He took the winemaking style and knowledge gained from his stint in Pomerol to start creating a new wave of wines in California, with a more terroir expressive style.
2008 Ramey Sonoma Coast Chardonnay – A great example of Sonoma Coast Chardonnay with a creamy note from the malolactic fermentation and a slight hint of toast from the barrel aging. The palate shows peach and pear with a finish of white pepper.
2008 Ramey Russian River Chardonnay – Very similar to the Sonoma Chardonnay but with a little extra complexity. There is also a note of green apple on the palate with a finish of lemon/lime.
2007 Ramey Hyde Vineyard Chardonnay – This was more American in style showing a rich creamy palate with a giant dollop of butter on the finish.
2008 Ramey Hudson Vineyard Chardonnay – My favorite Chardonnay of the bunch. In general I really enjoy Hudson Vineyard fruit because of the great mineral notes that it displays there is also a hint of tropical fruit such as pineapple and mango.
2007 Ramey Claret – A great bottle of red for everyday drinking. Red cherry, raspberries, and currants on the nose. The palate is light and easy to drink with fresh fruit notes and a pleasant finish of smoke and spice.
2006 Ramey Cabernet Sauvignon – Heavier than the Claret with more wood spice and pepper on the nose. The palate was still tight with hard tannins and a finish of cedar and nutmeg.