2006 Ramal Vineyard Chardonnay

90 points - Wine Spectator Insider
Double Gold - SF Chronicle 2010 Wine Competition
92 points - Wine Enthusiast Magazine
91 points, Good Value/Best Buy - Connoisseur's Guide to California Wine
5 stars - Restaurant Wine
Silver Medal, 2009 San Francisco International Wine Competition

Grape Source

As we celebrate our 150th year as California's first premium winery, the focus of Buena Vista Carneros continues to turn to our remarkable 564-acre Estate vineyard in the heart of Carneros. Set along a south-facing hillside overlooking the San Pablo Bay, this breathtaking property has more than 167 blocks delineated by geology and topography. Produced in limited quantities, each EVS wine reflects the complex interplay between grape, terroir and the seasonal weather patterns of the vintage.

Vintage

Our estate is perfectly situated for the morning maritime influence of the San Pablo Bay and the late afternoon cooling winds channeling from the Petaluma wind gap. In 2006, budbreak began in early March and was followed by a cool wet spring. With water in the soil came vigorous vine growth early in the season requiring diligent canopy management. The summer saw one short hot spell, and generally warm days. Most of August and September were slightly cooler than normal, creating excellent ripening conditions and a slight .

Winemaking

These Chardonnay grapes were hand harvested at night off of our Ramal Vineyard Estate between September 23 and October 6 and whole cluster pressed. The wine was 100% barrel fermented, aged sur lies with the lees stirred every two weeks for 6 months. The wine underwent malolactic fermentation in 100% French oak barrels (40% new, balance of one-two year old) and remained in barrel for nine months. The coopers used were Dargaud & Jaegle, Francois Freres, Demptos, Marcel Cadet, Rousseau.

Tasting Notes

True to its Carneros terroir, this Chardonnay exhibits floral aromas and a pretty nose of green apple, Asian pear, citrus rind, mineral, and hazelnut. The wine continues with flavors of peach and spiced apple and tropical flavors with a nice broad mid-palate, which leads to a long finish with a great acid/fruit balance. The 2006 Ramal Vineyard Chardonnay has complexity with its multiple clonal selections, showing bright acidity and great fruit intensity along with richness and lush texture. This wonderfully balanced wine can be enjoyed with an array of foods. Try with bacon wrapped day boat scallops.

Past Vintages

2005 Ramal Vineyard Chardonnay
2004 Ramal Vineyard Chardonnay
2003 EVS Chardonnay - Ramal Vineyard Estate