Ramey Wine Cellars Pinot Noir Russian River 2017
Ramey Wine Cellars Pinot Noir Russian River 2017
This bottling of 100% Pinot Noir comes from a variety of top sites in the valley: De La Montanya, Bucher Vineyard Tory Block, and Bucher Vineyard North L Block. The soils are predominately Yorkville clay and Josephine loam at Bucher, and Huichica clay and Spreckels loam at De La Montanya. In desires to mimic Burgundian wine-making processes, the wine is aged sur lies with a monthly bâtonnage before spending fourteen months in 49% new French barrels. This wine is lightly fined with egg white and bottled without filtration.
Aromatically the wine has notes of mulling spices and tart red fruits such as strawberries and cherries, alongside eucalyptus and damp forest floor. On the palate, the wine is delightfully rich, with a smooth texture and lingering acidity that promises longevity.
“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.” – David Ramey
Ratings
A finished tank sample, the 2017 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley is made using about 25% whole-cluster fermentation—the first time, David Ramey says, that they've experimented with whole cluster. Pale to medium ruby-purple in color, it has a gregarious, youthful nose with tangerine peel, soft baking spices, forest floor and a wicked vein of floral nuance with warm red and black fruits at the core. The palate gives good concentration of spicy fruit, with grainy tannins and juicy acidity, finishing long and spicy. 2,400 cases are expected to be made and released in September 2019.
- 92 points, Erin Brooks, Wine Advocate
This wine is sourced from a selection of different vineyards, including Bucher along Westside Road. Earthy funk underlies high-toned red cherry, rhubarb and strawberry, threading the needle between richness and crispness. A salty savory finish tops things off.
- 91 points, Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast
Delicate, with finely textured dried cherry and raspberry tart flavors, supported by fresh acidity. Shows cherry confit notes midpalate, revealing plenty of spice and smoke hints on the finish. Drink now through 2022.
- 90 points, Kim Marcus, Wine Spectator
Tasting Notes
tangerine peel
dried cherry
tart raspberry
baking spices
forest floor
long finish
VARIETAL COMPOSITION Pinot Noir
REGION California
COUNTRY United States
APPELLATION(S) Russian River Valley
PROPRIETORS David and Carla Ramey
FOUNDED 1996
WINEMAKER David Ramey
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. 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. The winery produces authentic, hand-crafted wines made in an Old World tradition coupled with New World innovation and California terroir. Consistently rated among the best wines in California, the winery remains committed to Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Syrah as its primary varietals.
