Ramey Hyde Vineyard Carneros-Napa Chardonnay 2008

Flavors of lemon cream, star fruit, white peaches, and graham crackers all come together and remain focused and balanced by a lively acidity that seduces and inspires. This wine is just now coming into its own and will continue to last for the next few years. The finish is smooth and complex, and continues long after you swallow. The wine is massive and yet still remains refined and in perfect harmony. This wine is perfect for any and all occasions.

The expressive, richly fruit, exotic 2002 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard is exuberant, flamboyant, and unmistakably from the New World. This hedonistic Chardonnay is best consumed over the next 1-3 years.

Greenish yellow. Vibrant aromas of lime, lemongrass, powdered stone and anise. At once supple and energetic in the mouth, with impressive precision to the peach, citrus and smoky mineral flavors. Tightly wound and taut but not austere, showing a distinct spiciness on the back half. Lively citrus and mineral flavors carry through a rising, spicy finish. These grapes are sourced from four different blocks, all of them planted to the Wente clone, according to Ramey.

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.

Normally I see more stylistic differences between the Hudson and Hyde Chardonnays, but in 2008, they are more similar than usual. The 2008 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard reveals a fragrant bouquet of caramelized citrus, tropical fruits and subtle smoke as well as medium to full-bodied flavors, good acidity and a crisp mouthfeel. Drink it over the next 4ndash;6 years.

The 2001 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard (2,630 cases) reveals a floral, feminine-like, perfumed, stylish nose offering aromas of white peaches, pineapples, honeyed citrus, and background mineral characteristics. Medium to full-bodied, with crisp acidity as well as admirable delineation and palate presence, it should be drunk over the next 2-3 years.

The brilliant 2007 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard reveals lots of nectarine, honeysuckle, orange blossom, and citrus oil notes intertwined with good acidity, considerable minerality, and a full-bodied, fresh finish with no evidence of wood.