Ramey Syrah 2010 Sonoma Coast Ramey Wine Cellars crafts outstanding quality wines that are both delicate and magnificent and comes from some of the finest Sonoma vineyards. Ramey selects vineyards for their ability to continue producing the highest quality fruit. The soil, climate and terrain must be in alignment for the varietal to produce a premium quality product and gives the wine its individual appeal. David and his wife Carla founded Ramey Wine Cellars in 1996 after spending time at Matanzas Creek, Chalk Hill, Dominus and Rudd. Ramey Wine Cellars is located in Healdsburg, in the heart of the California wine country. Ramey’s varietals are basically Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and…
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2010 Sonoma-Cutrer Russian River Pinot Noir I first became acquainted with Sonoma-Cutrer during a Sonoma wine tasting event in the 80’s and met Brice Cutrer Jones. When I tasted his Chardonnay, in a word, outstanding, one of the best I have tasted, but that was a while ago. In a few weeks I will review Sonoma-Cutrer’s current Chardonnay offerings, however today I will focus on their Pinot Noir, which by the way came sometime afterwards. Brice Cutrer Jones focus was only Chardonnay when he started the vineyard in 1973 and released his first vintage in 1981. In 1999, Brown-Forman, the Kentucky-based drinks giant whose holdings include Korbel California Champagnes (and I use…
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Chateau St. Jean 2011 Chardonnay Sonoma Coast The internet said last week that 49 of the 50 states had snow! Where is some of that global warmth? Trying to rush the warm weather, I grabbed a nice classic white that reminded me of summertime. Chateau St. Jean’s 2011 Chardonnay Sonoma Coast was my choice. The estate of Chateau St. Jean is located at the foot of Sugarloaf Ridge in the Sonoma Valley near Kenwood, California. The estate was founded in 1973 and recognized as a true leader in “Vineyard Designated” wines. The winemaker, Margo Van Staaveren, brings with her 30 years of experience and draws out the best that Chateau…
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Ferrari-Carano 2012 Sonoma Chardonnay One of my absolute favorite California Chardonnay’s is the Ferrari-Carano offering from Sonoma County. Today I will comment on the 2012 vintage. (Note: They also make a Reserve Chardonnay from Napa, which is bigger and buttery and I will reserve specific comments for another day). The Ferrari-Carano Winery was founded in 1981 by Don and Rhonda Carano and is located in Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Valley. If you enjoy pairing food with wine, be sure to visit the Ferrari-Carano website where Rhonda has a number of recipes. So if you are adventurous and have a passion for good food and wine, then try some of her…