2006 Sonoma Coast

Our fourth release from this vineyard planted in 1999 by Richard Hyde and his son Rick, brother and nephew of Larry Hyde. Named Sonoma Stage, it is at the apex of Stage Gulch Road between Petaluma and Carneros—a quite cool and windy site. This year, however, we've included the first harvest off the Platt Vineyard as 23% of the blend. Planted to our specifications, with old Wente selected from Larry Hyde's vineyard, the Platt Vineyard sits 800 feet above the village of Bodega, with a south-facing exposition overlooking the Estero Americano.

Highlighted Reviews: 2005 Vintage

91 Robert M. Parker Jr.’s The Wine Advocate, December 2007, Issue 174
The 2005 Chardonnay Sonoma Coast reveals aromas of lemon custard and orange blossoms presented in a medium to full-bodied, elegant, pure style with excellent underlying acidity.

90 Steven Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar May/June 07
Green-gold. Spicy, mineral-accented pear and lemon aromas, with a light hint of jasmine. Nervy and precise, with juicy citrus character and a lively, clean finish. I like the focus and drive here.

Highlighted Reviews: 2004 Vintage

91 (two puffs) Connoisseurs’ Guide to California Wine, June 2006
While very much showing Ramey's typical richness and careful melding of lively fruit, creamy oak and complexing lees, this one is a bit narrow and more tightly drawn than its siblings with a streak of brisk acidity firming its latter palate and finish. If we were to pull its cork now, we would opt for service with meaty fish, but its depth signals clear potential for improvement with age, and we would opt first for letting it sit quietly for a couple more years.

90   Steven Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar May/June 2006
Pale yellow. Aromas of lemon curd and honey. Suave and ripe, with lovely ripe acidity framing the lemon drop and leesy flavors. Offers a subtly chewy texture. Finishes bright and persistent.

Highlighted Reviews: 2003 Vintage

90   Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar May/June 2005
Full medium yellow with a green tinge. Very ripe aromas of pear, orange, honey and nuts, plus a lively suggestion of greener fruits. The sweetest and thickest of these three appellation bottlings, with exotic flavors of orange oil and spice. Chewy and long. An impressive wine considering that the vines are very young.

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