2007 Russian River Valley

At 56%, this vintage derives primarily from four different Dutton ranches, together with 18% from Rochioli Vineyards, 11% from the King Vineyard off Piner Road, 9% Martinelli Woolsey Road and 5% from Green Pastures Vineyard (a 40-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: 2007 Vintage

91 Steven Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar May/June 09
Light gold. Powerfully scented bouquet of lemon, orange, iodine and floral honey, with a suave spicy undertone. The citrus flavors repeat on the palate, along with gingerbread and tangy mineral qualities. Very fresh and precise, with excellent finishing lift and lingering minerality. This got about 38% new oak but I'm not seeing, or feeling it.

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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: 2006 Vintage

Four Stars Ronn Wiegand’s Restaurant Wine, Issue # 125 & 126
The RRV is round, full bodied, crisp, and long on the palate, with peach, grapefruit, roasted nut, and modest oak aromas/flavors. Fine quality. [2008-2009]

90 (one puff) Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine, Oct. 2008
Mr. Ramey's Russian River designate marches right in step with his other delightful releases, and, in this case, focuses on sweet, Fuji apple succulence that is nicely fit to a layer of spicy oak. It is quite full and attractively open on the palate and takes on an oily, glyceriny texture from front to back and furthers the notion that this is a wine to enjoy without further delay. It will partner nicely with savory chicken dishes.

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 08
Bright yellow. Smoky, leesy, mineral-driven aromas of orange, buttery brioche and iodine. Deep and chewy, with concentrated citrus and orchard fruit flavors braced by chalky minerals. Gains weight and a buttery, nutty quality on the long, sappy finish. This could pass for a suave Meursault.

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