As for the generic wines, the 2008 Chardonnay Carneros reveals straightforward notes of citrus and spicy oak in a medium-bodied format. It does not possesses the focus, clarity or complexity of his Russian River and Sonoma Coast bottlings. Owner/winemaker David Ramey produces two levels of Chardonnay – his generic appellation cuvees and his single vineyard offerings from three top sites, the Hudson, Hyde and Ritchie vineyards.Tel. (707) 433-0870; Fax (707) 433-0871

My favorite of the generic series is the 2007 Chardonnay Carneros. Vibrant acidity and minerality (characteristics of this vintage) are present in this beautifully fruity effort, as well as notes of smoky hazelnuts, buttered citrus, and loads of freshness and definition. It should drink nicely for three years. A multi-tasker, David Ramey’s Healdsburg operation garnered lavish reviews for his Cabernet Sauvignons in issue #186. He also demonstrates a Midas touch with Chardonnay, while continuing to fine tune his Syrah portfolio. In addition, Ramey’s consulting business appears to be growing by leaps and bounds, and he has been a major factor in turning around the quality of a number of wineries. The 2007 Ramey Chardonnays are all strong efforts, including the three generic offerings from the Sonoma Coast, Russian River, and Carneros, and his single vineyard efforts from the Hudson, Hyde, and Ritchie vineyards. The 2008 barrel samples I saw were slightly more down-sized than the 2007s, which is not unexpected. These potentially outstanding wines were displaying fewer differences in style than I might expect.Tel. (707) 433-0870; Fax (707) 433-0871

The crisp, elegant, medium-bodied 2006 Chardonnay Carneros reveals hazelnut and tropical fruit characteristics. David Ramey’s Healdsburg operation is becoming bigger and bigger, as evidenced by his 60,000-case production in both 2006 and 2007. However, quality continues to be exciting, offering a broad array of Chardonnays, Cabernet Sauvignons, and more recently, a handful of Syrahs. The entry level Chardonnays include three generic appellations, Carneros, Russian River, and Sonoma Coast. All three need to be consumed sooner rather than later. The three single vineyard Chardonnays are all from top sites, the Hudson and Hyde vineyards in Carneros, and the Russian River’s Ritchie Vineyard. Production is much smaller for these cuvees, from just under 1,400 cases for the Hudson to over 2,500 cases for the Hyde.Tel. (707) 433-0870; Fax (707) 433-0871

The 2005 Chardonnay Los Carneros exhibits scents of lemon and lime oil intermixed with orange blossom, quince, and white currant-like notes. Medium to full-bodied with good acidity providing freshness and vibrancy, it will provide plenty of pleasure over the next 2-3 years. One of Northern California’s most successful winemakers/consultants, David Ramey’s personal winery continues to go from strength to strength. Ramey has had the best of both worlds, working in Bordeaux for the Moueix family, and in California at Dominus, Chalk Hill, and Rudd Estate. Ramey has two hierarchies of Chardonnays, his generic appellations as well as his single vineyard cuvees.Previously recommended: 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Jericho Canyon (94), 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Pedregal (95+), 2004 Chardonnay Hudson Vineyard (91), 2004 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard (94), 2004 Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard (93).Tel. (707) 433-0870; fax (707) 433-0871

The 2004 Chardonnay Carneros shows crisp, elegant lemon oil notes with zesty underlying acidity, a hint of tropical fruit, and subtle wood. It is a pretty, medium to full-bodied Chardonnay to drink over the next 2-3 years. Tel. (707) 433-0870; fax (707) 433-0871