2006 Russian River Valley

At 74%, this vintage derives primarily from five different Dutton ranches, together with 15% from Rochioli Vineyards, 6% from the Heintz Ranch near Occidental and 5% from Green Pastures Vineyard (a 38-year-old Wente vineyard back Felta Creek Road). Goldridge loam and gravelly soils give a crisper mouthfeel to Russian River Chardonnays compared with their Carneros counterparts.

Highlighted Reviews: 2005 Vintage

92 Robert M. Parker Jr.’s The Wine Advocate December 2007, Issue 174
Delicious, opulent, tropical fruit, buttered citrus, and background spicy oak are found in the crisp, fresh, medium to full-bodied 2005 Chardonnay Russian River. It should drink nicely for 2-3 years.

91 Steven Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar May/June 07
Light gold. Strong smoke and minerals complement fresh pear and apple aromas. Crisp and linear, with vibrant orchard fruit flavors, a gentle hint of smoked meat and lively acidity on the close. Lots of flavor here but no undue weight or fat; this is strikingly racy.

Highlighted Reviews: 2004 Vintage

92 (two puffs) Connoisseurs’ Guide to California Wine, June 2006
Ramey's superb single-vineyard offerings have always struck us having a remarkable balance of winemaking richness and high-energy fruit, and so, too, it seems do the winery's appellation bottlings. This impressively crafted effort is shot through with very deep, optimally ripened appley fruit and comes complete with a full measure of keenly fit oak. It is at once both viscous and alive on the palate, and its potent expressions of creamy oak spice, unstinting fruit and real concentration are sustained through a long, wonderfully well-focused finish.

89(+?)?   Steven Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar May/June 2006
Full medium yellow. Somewhat exotic aromas of peach, melon, nuts and sulfides; reduced in a Burgundian way. Then bright on the palate but a bit youthfully hard-edged, with lemony acidity currently dominating the fruit. This needs 6 to 12 months to come into harmony.

Highlighted Reviews: 2003 Vintage

90   Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar, May-June 2005
Bright green-tinged yellow. Musky aromas of citrus skin, smoke, spices, flowers and minerals. Dry, cool, dense and brisk, with sappy citrus and fresh herbal flavors. A bit youthfully austere. Offers a very refreshing sugar/acid balance and excellent length. It is no easy trick to make 2,400 cases of chardonnay at this level of quality.

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