2006 Ramey "Ritchie Vineyard" Russian River Valley Chardonnay

95 points and a "Highly Recommended" designation from Wine Spectator: "Deliciously complex, full-bodied and layered with flavors, offering citrus and tropical fruit, with hints of anise and buttery oak, yet the acidity keeps the flavors tangy and vibrant. Drink now through 2012. 1,300 cases made." (12/08) 94 points and 2 puffs Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine: " Seemingly the deepest and most energetically balanced of the exceptional Ramey trio, this wine is a touch simpler in its central character and a bit sweeter in its fruit. It is going to have great appeal for uses with the less briny, small oysters and with fish like Dover sole than it will with more savory foods, but it is a lso likely to find greater range over time, and may turn out to be the longest lived of the Ramey trio." (02/09) 93 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "Light yellow-gold. Highly perfumed aromas of lemon pith, green apple, wet stone and honeysuckle, with subtle oak spice adding depth. Weighty orchard fruit flavors are given bite by citrus zest and pith qualities, with a gentle leesy character emerging on the back end. Offers a striking combination of power and finesse, and finishes impressively precise, with excellent spicy persistence." (May/June '09) 91 points Robert Parker: "More lemon oil, hazelnut, and smoke are present in the 2006 Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard. Full-bodied, fresh, and lively, it is an outstanding effort." (12/08) ETA: Will arrive first week of July 2009.