Bright yellow. Reduced on the nose in the way of a Burgundy, showing musky hints of flint, hazelnut and soft citrus fruits, plus some suggestions of tropical fruits. Wonderfully glyceral but with strong acidity and saline minerality giving the wine shape and grip. Not yet hugely complex--and quite tight in the early going--but fine-grained and savory, and very long on the aftertaste. This fruit was harvested on September 25, compared to September 3 and September 6 in 2013 and 2014, respectively.

Although coming across as the tightest and least outgoing of the Ramey Chardonnay clan, this slightly wiry youngster conveys a fine sense of fruity depth and the certain promise to unfold with age. It is presently fixed on citrus and stones with a core smattering of sweeter fruit that is looking to more fully emerge, and, while its ample acidity affords a great deal of brightness and verve, it presently pushes the wine toward narrowing back-palate stiffness. Much like its companion from the Platt Vineyard, it very much wants a fair bit of time in which to evolve, and the smart money says to stash it away and out of reach in the cellar for at least two to four years.

A rich, creamy texture frames the ripe fig, melon, hazelnut and sandalwood flavors, all set in an elegant, delicate framework, sailing along on the finish. Drink now through 2020. 1,344 cases made. –JL

This wine is deliciously elegant and yet decadently rich in all the right ways, from a prime longtime vineyard source planted to vines over 40 years old.  Honeyed apple comes to the fore amid lush, formidable layers of complexity and high-minded pursuit, never getting bogged down, the minerality perfectly pitched and the oak fully integrated. Editor's Choice

Medium-light golden yellow color; attractive, intense, baked apple aroma with hints of hazelnut, brioche, and vanilla bean; medium-full body; rich, slightly creamy, apple and ripe peach flavors that are balanced with bright acidity. Lingering aftertaste. Very highly recommended.