2022 Ramey Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard (Napa)

First made in 1996, Hyde Vineyard Chardonnay was the first wine produced at Ramey. ‘I knew Larry Hyde from my time at Matanzas Creek because Merry Edwards, whom I replaced, was selling Semillon to him,’ recalls David Ramey. ‘Larry was the first guy I called after quitting Dominus. I remember sitting in a car with Larry as a new moon rose, and I said, `That’s a good sign.` So, we never had a written contract—just a handshake. As you drive into Hyde, there’s the Old Wente on the right, and that’s where we started.’ This Chardonnay is super dense and concentrated, with layers of ginger spice and salty, mineral-rich intensity. The palate unfolds with a long, saline-driven aromatic richness and an unmistakable umami character. Incredibly long-lasting, it delivers tremendous concentration, richness, and freshness. Lively and spicy, with intense fruit expression and incredible depth and length. It is a compelling and complex expression of Old Wente Hyde Vineyard Chardonnay. 97 points