2017 Westside Farms Vineyard Chardonnay
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Tasting notes
Quite a hot year. Pale straw. Mealy, evolved nose and the palate is not quite as seamless as some of the 2019s. Slightly saline finish. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
The 2017 Chardonnay Westside Farms Vineyard opens with soft white apricots, peaches and floral perfume with nuances of honey and hazelnuts. Medium-bodied and silky, it swells with honeyed flavors in the mouth, refreshed by tangy acidity and finishing long and minerally. 216 cases produced. This comes from Ramey's new estate vineyard, purchased in 2014, located close to Rochioli along the Russian River. 216 cases were made.
The smallest production Chardonnay in the lineup, the 2017 Chardonnay Westside Farms Vineyard comes from a site in the Russian River Valley and spent 20 months in 20% new French oak. As with all these 2017s from David Ramey, it reveals a vivid, medium gold hue as well as classic Chardonnay notes of white flowers, orchard fruits, flower blossom, honeysuckle, and toasted bread. The oak is nicely integrated, it's medium to full-bodied, has bright acidity, and a great, great finish. It rivals the 2016 (and is better than the 2015) and can be enjoyed any time over the coming 10-15 years.
The 2017 Chardonnay Westside Farms is another of the more exuberant wines in this range. Apricot, lightly honeyed notes, chamomile and dried flowers come together in an ample, creamy Chardonnay. Floral overtones add lift that extends the finish nicely.