Ramey Wine Tasting with Virtual Host David Ramey

Friday, October 2, 2020 - 07:30 PM

This Event has been read: 1535 times.

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"Woke up this morning with a wine glass in my hand,
whose wine? what wine? where the hell did I dine!"

Do You Feel Like I Do by Peter Frampton

 

I drink 2 bottles every day, but I never wake up with a wine glass in my hand.  To be at the top of your game you need to be the best and if that means I need to wake up with a wine glass in my hand they maybe I need to try even harder…

I have been following California wines for over 30 years and I can tell you that David Ramey is at the top of his game. Dave is one of the most sought-after consultants in California today, in addition to having his hands in a dozen or more wines with other people’s names on the bottle, his wines are among the best wines produced in their category every year.  After several decades of making wine in California David knows where the top vineyard sites are in Napa and Sonoma are and through his relationships with growers has been able to secure some of the best grapes to put his label on.

The Wine Watch has been selling Ramey since the very beginning and have hosted tasting with David’s wines since he founded Ramey Wine Cellars with his wife Carla in 1996.  David has graced us with his presence on many occasions but because they are in the middle of harvest, the fires and of course the Covid-19 pandemic, no one is traveling right now.   But the new normal is Virtual wine tastings and we will host this tasting with David via zoom and he can be here with us to talk about his wines and without leaving his home.

Join us as we sample some of the new releases from Ramey winery with our virtual host the man the myth, the legend- David Ramey.  The fee for this tasting/dinner is $175 + tax for reservations call 954-523-9463 or e-mail andy@winewatch.com.

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Ramey Wine Dinner at Wine Watch with Virtual Host Winemaker David Ramey
Friday, October 2nd, 2020
7:30 pm

Reception

 

2018 Sidebar Kerner Mokelumne River

Dinner

2017 Ramey Russian River Valley Chardonnay

2016 Ramey Woolsey Road Chardonnay Russian River Valley

2016 Ramey Rochioli Vineyard Chardonnay Russian River Valley

2016 Ramey Russian River Valley  Pinot Noir

2014 Ramey Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

2014 Ramey Annum Cabernet Sauvignon

2014 Ramey Cabernet Sauvignon Pedegral Vineyard Napa

 

Menu

Cheese and Charcuterie Selections

Salmon en Papillote with Lemon Hollandaise

Crispy Pork Belly Tacos with Five Spice Cherry BBQ Glaze

Cabernet Braised Short Rib with Yorkshire Pudding and Currant Demi

Deep Dish Double Chocolate Chip Bourbon Pecan Pie

 

A bit about Ramey Winery:

 

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A select group of winemakers can be credited with revolutionizing modern day winemaking in California. They are the innovators who, some 20 years ago, brought Old World traditions back to a New World that had thrown in its lot with university scientists to make squeaky clean wines largely devoid of character. The goal of these new wave winemakers was to put terroir back into the bottle and create wines of unique distinction.

David Ramey is widely acknowledged to be among the wine pioneers whose efforts helped raise the bar for all American winemakers and brought California to the forefront of the international wine world. David’s groundbreaking work with indigenous yeasts and malolactic and barrel fermentation yielded a new California style that was richer, more lush and silky smooth than previously known. As a result, he created a benchmark style now emulated by many.

At first, David followed a traditional path and received a graduate degree from the University of California at Davis, where his 1979 thesis on volatile ester hydrolysis (translation: how flavors evolve in wine) is still used today to unveil certain vinous mysteries. But shortly afterwards, a stint working for the Moueix family at the renowned Chateau Pétrus introduced David to the time-honored methods of winemaking in France. He brought his lessons home and applied them to the grapes he found growing in California’s premier wine regions.

David Ramey started his career in wine with little more than a degree in enology and a dream. Then, after nearly two decades of creating benchmark wines for such California wineries as Matanzas Creek, Chalk Hill, Dominus and Rudd, David Ramey and his wife Carla founded Ramey Wine Cellars in 1996. “Owning one’s own winery is the dream of every winemaker,” David says, looking back on the path that led him to build his own. It took time, planning and a profound understanding of how best to bring together all the elements—from the grapes, to the winery materials, and a top-notch team of professionals—to make it all work.

Ramey Wine Cellars is located off the town square in the quaint Sonoma County town of Healdsburg. It is a sleek, efficient, no-frills work space dedicated exclusively to making the highest quality wines possible. “In our own winery, we’re not distracted, as I had been, by the ongoing and changing needs of an employer,” David notes. “At Ramey Wine Cellars, we try to foster a team environment where everybody feels empowered to contribute and make a difference in both winery operations and the wine itself. My hope is to create an atmosphere of great opportunity for all.”

The winery produces authentic, hand-crafted wines made in an Old World tradition--coupled with New World innovation and California terroir. Owned exclusively by David and his wife Carla, grapes are sourced from vineyards with which David has worked for many years.  Their next project will be to purchase land and develop their own vineyards.

Ramey Wine Cellars, which David owns with his wife, Carla, was founded in 1996. Currently, David continues to “swing for the fences,” as he likes to say. To make great wines, he takes chances, harvesting his grapes at the last possible moment and using methods in the cellar that his former college professors consider risky at best. The resulting wines are praised among colleagues, consumers and the media alike. David serves on the board of Family Winemakers of California and the executive board of Communicating for Agriculture and the Self-employed.  He lives with his family in Glen Ellen, not far from the Ramey Wine Cellars winery in Healdsburg.

 

Everything from Ramey that we have in the store.

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2014 Ramey Chardonnay Woolsey Vineyard Rusian River
Price: $69.75       Your Price: $61.38            Quantity in Stock: 5

“…Medium-bodied with plenty of finesse in the mouth, it gives a nice balance between the fruit and savory flavors, with a silken texture and finishing long and toasty.” 93 pts – Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate, March 2017

2014 was another classic vintage. A mild winter and spring caused an early bud break followed by consistent temperatures throughout the summer, promoting even ripening. We had ample hang time which in turn yielded intense varietal character and a rich texture.

We press whole clusters for phenolic delicacy (low tannins). Native-yeast and full native malolactic fermentations take place in barrel, with sur lies bâtonnage. After nineteen months in 26% new French oak barrels from François and Taransaud, this Chardonnay was bottled without filtration in June 2016.

Coming from special vineyard sites, our Chardonnays show great depth of flavor, length of finish, aromatic complexity, and a fine balance between richness and delicacy.  Typically, the climate is cool and the soil vigor low, producing graceful yet vibrant wines.  This is our third bottling from this new site.

2015 Ramey Woolsey Road Vineyard Chardonnay Russian River Valley
Price: $75.00       Your Price: $66.00

January and February 2015 were the warmest on record, resulting in early budbreak. Cooler, wetter weather in spring months slowed development, however, leading to a challenging, extended bloom period. The resulting uneven fruit set translated to a small crop and smaller berries with very concentrated flavors. The very early budbreak resulted in an equally early harvest.

We press whole clusters for phenolic delicacy (low tannins). Native yeast and full native malolactic fermentations take place in barrel, with sur lies bâtonnage. After nineteen months in 20% new French oak barrels from François Freres, this Chardonnay was bottled without filtration in June 2017.

Coming from special vineyard sites, our Chardonnays show great depth of flavor, length of finish, aromatic complexity, and a fine balance between richness and delicacy.  Typically, the climate is cool and the soil vigor low, producing graceful yet vibrant wines.  This is our fourth bottling from this unique vineyard.

2016 Ramey Woolsey Road Vineyard Chardonnay Russian River Valley
Price: $75.00       Your Price: $66.00

2016 began with another very early bloom, leading to a very early harvest in Sonoma County; our first fruit arrived August 5. During maturation, summer temperatures were warm and steady, with fewer heat spikes than 2015. Three weeks of cool weather in August and September relaxed the pace of harvest, allowing for methodical picking decisions and perfectly developed fruit. Yields were relatively average – down from 2014 and up from 2015.

We press whole clusters for phenolic delicacy. Native-yeast and full native malolactic fermentation take place in barrel, with sur lies bâtonnage. After aging 12 months in 20% new French oak barrels (François Frères, Taransaud Beaune, Demptos, and Cadus), this Chardonnay was traditionally fined for clarity during the following harvest and bottled without filtration in January 2018.

Coming from special vineyard sites, our Chardonnays show great depth of flavor, length of finish, aromatic complexity, and a fine balance between richness and delicacy.  Typically, the climate is cool and the soil vigor low, producing graceful yet vibrant wines.

2015 Ramey Chardonnay Sonoma Coast
Price: $46.50      Your Price: $40.92

This combines grapes from the Martinelli family’s Charles Ranch Vineyard in Fort Ross-Seaview with grapes from Platt Vineyard, a site long sourced by Ramey overlooking the Pacific Ocean near Freestone—the producer’s coolest site. It melds exotic ginger with apple skin, melon rind and bright focused acidity that remains fresh, succulent and lingering.– 95 pts | Editors’ Choice | Virginie Boone | Wine Enthusiast

2015 Ramey Rochioli Vineyard Chardonnay Russian River Valley
Price: $69.75       Your Price: $61.38

Winter 2015 was the warmest on record, resulting in early budbreak. Cooler, wetter weather in spring months slowed development, however, leading to a challenging, extended bloom period. The resulting uneven fruit set translated to a small crop and smaller berries with very concentrated flavors. The very early budbreak resulted in an equally early harvest.

We gently press whole clusters for phenolic delicacy. Native yeast and full native malolactic fermentation take place in barrel, with sur lies bâtonnage. After aging 20 months in 23% new François Frères French oak barrels, this Chardonnay was fined and settled in tank following the next harvest. It was then bottled without filtration.

Winemaker Notes: This is our first single vineyard Chardonnay from this historic vineyard. We’ve enjoyed a wonderful relationship with the Rochioli family for years and are excited to produce this elegant and fruit-driven wine from our neighbor’s vineyard on Westside Road.

2016 Ramey Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard Russian River Valley
Price: $75.00       Your Price: $66.00

2016 began with another very early bloom, leading to a very early harvest in Sonoma County; our first fruit arrived August 5. During maturation, summer temperatures were warm and steady, with fewer heat spikes than 2015. Three weeks of cool weather in August and September relaxed the pace of harvest, allowing for methodical picking decisions and perfectly developed fruit. Yields were relatively average – down from 2014 and up from 2015.

We gently press whole clusters for phenolic delicacy. Native yeast and full native malolactic fermentation take place in barrel, with sur lies bâtonnage. After aging 20 months in 20% new French oak barrels (Taransaud Beaune), this Chardonnay was fined and settled in tank. It was then bottled without filtration.

Our Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay walks the fine line between richness & delicacy.  It has a complex and harmonious mouthfeel that balances power with elegance.

2016 Ramey Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard
Price: $75.00      Your Price: $66.00

Vine selection for our Hyde Vineyard Chardonnays are predominantly old Wente with some Robert Young—itself a Wente selection. The Wente produces a classic, Burgundian-style wine without the tropical fruit tones of some California Chardonnays. Hyde Vineyard wines often seem charming and feminine, with high natural acidity playing a prominent role.

2016 Ramey Chardonnay Fort Ross Seaview
Price: $37.50       Your Price: $33.00

(93 Points) Rich and well-sculpted, with lemon-lime notes to the fresh-cut apple, quince and pear flavors. Minerally midpalate, offering refreshing saline and flinty hints on the structured finish. Drink now through 2024.  Wine Spectator

2017 Ramey Chardonnay Russian River
Price: $37.50       Your Price: $33.00

2017 began with a very wet winter. The summer was mild until a significant heatwave around Labor Day sent winemakers and growers scrambling to pick the first wave of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. After the heat wave, temperatures were warm and steady, allowing winemakers to make picking decisions based on optimal fruit maturity rather than impending weather. Our harvest started Aug 21st with the final Merlot from Carneros arriving on October 10th. Yields were very close to projections while fruit quality ranged from great to exceptional, with well-preserved acids, great color and good varietal expression.

Winemaking:  We press the whole clusters for delicacy. Native-yeast and full native malolactic fermentation take place in barrel, with sur lies bâtonnage. After aging 12 months in 25% new French oak barrels (François Frères, Taransaud Beaune),and 5% Concrete egg, the Chardonnay was traditionally fined for clarity during the following harvest and bottled without filtration in January 2019.

Winemaker Notes: Coming from special vineyard sites, our Chardonnays show great depth of flavor, length of finish, aromatic complexity, and a fine balance between richness and delicacy. Typically, the climate is cool and the soil vigor low, producing graceful yet vibrant wines.

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2016 Ramey Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
Price: $54.00       Your Price: $47.52

2016 began with another very early bloom, leading to a very early harvest in Sonoma County; our first fruit arrived August 5. During maturation, summer temperatures were warm and steady, with fewer heat spikes than 2015. Three weeks of cool weather in August and September relaxed the pace of harvest, allowing for methodical picking decisions and perfectly developed fruit. Yields were relatively average – down from 2014 and up from 2015.

As traditionally practiced in Burgundy, we used an anaerobic approach to preserving the freshness and fruit characteristics of our Pinot Noir. It was aged sur lies with monthly bâtonnage and spent fourteen months in 49% new French barrels (François Frères & Demptos). This wine was lightly fined with egg white and bottled without filtration.

Our third Russian River Valley Pinot Noir strikes a fine balance between rich, unctuous styles and leaner, coastal styles. It is at once both elegant and delicious.

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2016 Ramey Claret Napa
Price: $39.50      Your Price: $34.76

2016 began with another very early bloom, which lead to a very early harvest ; our first fruit arrived August 5. During maturation, summer temperatures were warm and steady, with fewer heat spikes than 2015. Three weeks of cool weather in August and September relaxed the pace of harvest, allowing for methodical picking decisions and perfectly developed fruit. Yields were relatively average – down from 2014 and up from 2015.

Our Claret follows the Bordelaise model of blending different Bordeaux varietals. Malolactic fermentation is completed in barrel, and the blend is assembled early so it is “elevated” as the finished wine. Our 2016 Claret rested on its lees twelve months in French & American oak barrels, only 13% new, with monthly bâtonnage to coat the tannins, producing a luscious, cushioned mouthfeel.  This wine was lightly fined with egg whites and bottled without filtration in February 2018.

This soft, easy-drinking Cabernet is a good introduction to the vintage, and while it will improve over the course of three to eight years, it is not a wine intended for long-term cellaring.

 

2014 Ramey Napa Cabernet Sauvignon
Price: $63.00       Sale Price: $55.44

(93 Points) The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon is just as appealing today as it was last year. Supple, open-knit and expressive, the 2014 will drink well with minimal cellaring. Floral and savory notes add an attractive upper register in this mid-weight, juicy 2014. Bright red stone fruit, plum and savory notes abound on the finish. This is a gorgeous Napa Valley Cabernet from David Ramey that shows just how appealing 2014 can be.  Vinous

2014 Ramey Cabernet Sauvignon Annum Napa
Price: $90.00       Your Price: $79.20

“The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Annum is rich, racy and seductive, and yet also maintains a very classic, mid-weight sense of structure. The flavors are bright and nicely focused in this nuanced, mid-weight wine. The 2014 is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Cabernet Franc, with the Franc adding quite a bit of brightness and aromatic nuance. This has terrific potential.” – 93+pts, Antonio Galloni, vinous, April 2018

2014 was another classic vintage, despite the third consecutive year of drought. A mild winter and spring triggered early bud break, while much-needed late spring rain alleviated water stress on the vines through summer. Summer temperatures were warm and steady, balanced by particularly cool mornings, which permitted even fruit development. Cooler weather in August further lengthened hang time, resulting in perfectly matured fruit with moderate sugar levels.

Winemaking: The 2014 Annum blend is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Cabernet Franc.

Aging the 2014 sur lies with monthly bâtonnage has coated the tannins and smoothly integrated the wood.  We aged this vintage 24 months in new French oak barrels (Taransaud).  Non-filtered.

Winemaker Notes: The ninth vintage of this blend–it represents our version of a “winemaker’s wine.” Annum is the one red wine we make each year that allows us to select from a range of prestigious vineyards to make the best blend possible that vintage.

2007 Ramey Cabernet Sauvignon Annum Napa
Price: $183.00    Your Price: $161.04          Quantity in Stock: 1

(95 points) From high on Diamond Mountain, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Annum exhibits an inky/blue/purple color as well as a smoky barbecue note in its creme de cassis, blackberry, licorice and camphor-dominated aromatics. This powerful, rich, stunningly concentrated 2007 will benefit from another 2-4 years of bottle age and should drink well for 20-25 years thereafter. (RP) (12/2010) Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

 

2013 Ramey Cabernet Sauvignon Pedregal Oakville Napa
Price: $215.25    Your Price: $189.42

“From Oakville, the 2013 Pedregal Vineyard is usually the top Cabernet Sauvignon. A classic nose of cedar wood, forest floor, blackcurrants and loamy earth notes is followed by a wine of stunning intensity, full-bodied potency, beautiful purity and length. There is plenty of tannin, but the extravagant richness seems to cover it up extremely well.” 95pts – Robert M. Parker Jr., The Wine Advocate, March 2016

 

2009 Ramey Cabernet Sauvignon Pedregal Oakville Napa
Price: $270.00    Your Price: $237.60          Quantity in Stock: 2

(95 points) From a site in Oakville, 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Pedregal Vineyard is another huge, intense wine that also possesses wonderful nuance and delineation, a rare attribute for such a big Cabernet. Espresso, mocha, black cherries, grilled herbs and sweet spices lead to a huge core of blue/black fruit in this brooding, full-bodied wine. There is a lot to like in the 2009 Pedregal, but I can’t imagine the wine being fully expressive until at least age ten. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2039. ...In my mind, Ramey is one of the top wineries in the United States. Readers who aren’t familiar with these wines owe it to themselves to check them out. (AG) (4/2013) Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

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2016 Ramey Sonoma Coast Syrah
Price: $45.00      Your Price: $39.60

2016 began with another very early bloom, leading to a very early harvest in Sonoma County; our first fruit arrived August 5. During maturation, summer temperatures were warm and steady, with fewer heat spikes than 2015. Three weeks of cool weather in August and September relaxed the pace of harvest, allowing for methodical picking decisions and perfectly developed fruit. Yields were relatively average – down from 2014 and up from 2015.

Our 2016 Sonoma Coast Syrah is a blend of 92% Syrah and 8% Viognier, co-fermented.

fermented in tank as 75% destemmed fruit with 25% whole Syrah clusters. We utilized native-yeast and malolactic fermentations. The wine rested sur lies for 12 months in 41% new French barrels from François Frères, Demptos and Taransaud Beaune. Our 2016 Sonoma Coast Syrah was bottled without filtration in June, 2018.

Winemaker Notes: Our Syrahs are grown in the cool climate of the Sonoma Coast which offers a style reminiscent of the Northern Rhone regions of Hermitage and Cornas:  aromas and flavors of smoked meat, white pepper, green olive and grapefruit, coupled with a silky texture and savory flavor.

2014 Ramey Syrah Rogers Creek
Price: $57.00       Your Price: $50.16

Our family is grateful for our partnership with SVB. This wine is a worthy companion to your holiday gatherings, and we are proud to share this distinctive bottling with you.

(96 points) “A step up, the 2014 Syrah Rodgers Creek Vineyard is a blockbuster effort that reminds me of a good vintage of the Côte Rôtie La Mouline from Guigal. Awesome notes of incense, lavender, bacon fat, and spring flowers gives way to a full-bodied, voluptuous Syrah that has a sexy, seamless texture, sweet tannin, and a big finish.”  Jeb Dunnuck

90% Syrah and 10% Viognier, which we harvest at the same time and co-ferment.

We like the inclusion of whole Syrah clusters in the fermentation and so add 25%; this seems to heighten the “Syrahness.” Other aspects of fermentation and élevage are the same as with all of our winemaking—native yeast and malolactic fermentations. This vintage aged sur lies with monthly bâtonnage and rested 25 months in 100% new French barrels. This wine was bottled without filtration in February 2017.

This cool climate brings out the savory characteristics of the variety, as opposed to its jammy, fruity side, and one finds here aromas and flavors of smoked meats, white pepper, green olive and grapefruit, with an almost Pinot-like texture and balance on the palate; definitely not an overblown Shiraz style.

 

 

 

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2017 Sidebar Kerner Mokelumne River
Price: $28.50       Your Price: $25.08            Quantity in Stock: 3

“Kerner is a cross of Riesling and Trollinger with origins in Germany. It also makes fine, aromatic whites in the Alto Adige region of northeastern Italy. Our Kerner comes from the only planting in California.” – David Ramey

2018 Sidebar Kerner Mokelumne River
Price: $28.50       Your Price: $25.08

“Kerner is a cross of Riesling and Trollinger with origins in Germany. It also makes fine, aromatic whites in the Alto Adige region of northeastern Italy. Our Kerner comes from the only planting in California.” – David Ramey

Dry, aromatic wine that’s gently floral and spicy with a crisp, medium bodied finish that is brightened by bracing acidity.

The 2018 season was exemplary. Spring was drier than in 2017 and after two years of poor set, consistently mild weather led to good berry set. Higher cluster counts than the low yielding years of 2015-2017 coupled with cooler late summer temperatures brought longer hangtimes, with harvest dates about two weeks later than the previous vintage.

 

2017 Sidebar Sauvignon Blanc Ritchie Vineyard
Price: $36.00       Your Price: $31.68

Grapefruit oil and lime zest balance bold mineral character.

2019 Sidebar Sauvignon Blanc Russian River
Price: $25.50       Your Price: $22.44

 

2017 Sidebar Zinfandel Old Vines Russian River Valley
Price: $25.50       Your Price: $22.44

“A unique field blend of Zinfandel and fourteen other grape varieties from a heritage Russian River Valley vineyard, originally planted in 1890 and partially replanted in 1950 by Americo Rafanelli.”- David Ramey

 

2016 Sidebar Red River Blend Russian River Valley
Price: $28.50       Your Price: $25.08

A field blend of Zinfandel, Alicante and Petite Sirah, only 800 cases produced and this wine has a good amount of jammy plum and cherry fruit almost liqueur like with black pepper spice, sweet tobacco and pretty floral notes. A sweet and spicy wine with lots of berry pie like fruit along with a nice compliment of spice and floral notes through the finish. finish 35+ Very Good