2008 Ramey Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard
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Tasting notes
(15.7% alcohol): Pale, bright yellow. Shows less aromatic lift and primary fruit on the nose than the 2009, offering musky scents of marzipan, nuts, oatmeal, clove and smoke. Richer and creamier than the 2009, in a distinctly fatter style, displaying a hint of caramel but not the primary fruit character of the '09. Finishes with a slightly dry, phenolic edge. This wine does not have the balance of the superb '09. Ramey told me he picked during a ten-day heat wave and that, with labor short, it was a logistical nightmare. He acidified the '08 by an average of 1.7 grams per liter.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
Creamy and fat. Lush, potent fruit. Freshening acid gives a zingy finish. (RH)
Bright gold. Energetic aromas of green apple, jasmine, minerals and lemon zest. Dry and nervy, with brisk acidity and a saline nuance giving energy and lift to its citrus and orchard fruit flavors. Vibrant and impressively pure chardonnay, finishing spicy, long and dry, with an intriguing floral quality.