2003 Russian River Valley Chardonnay
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Tasting notes
The substantial, heady, intense 2003 Chardonnay Russian River comes primarily from an impeccable source, the Charles Heintz Vineyard near Occidental. Its 20-year-old vines provide minerality, lemon oil, leesy, brioche, tropical fruit characteristics as well as substantial intensity and richness. Drink it over the next 2-3 years. Ramey kindly did a vertical of his two single-vineyard Chardonnays from the Hyde and Hudson Vineyards, and it was interesting that the Hudson aged quickly and was beginning to fade after 2-3 years, but the Hyde wines, even the oldest one, the 1996, were fresh and superb. David Ramey also has a successful consulting business. His list of clients includes the likes of Benziger, Saracina, Dierburg, Niebaum-Coppola, Lancaster, Audellsa, Landmark, Snowden, Rodney Strong, and Manoogian. Tel. (707) 833-2535; Fax (707) 833-5620
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Bright green-tinged yellow. Musky aromas of citrus skin, smoke, spices, flowers and minerals. Dry, cool, dense and brisk, with sappy citrus and fresh herbal flavors. A bit youthfully austere. Offers a very refreshing sugar/acid balance and excellent length. It is no easy trick to make 2,400 cases of chardonnay at this level of quality.