David Ramey is the stuff of California legend. He was head winemaker and consulted on major projects around the state including Matanzas Creek, Chalk Hill and Dominus. He stepped away from university led rote recipe... Read More

David Ramey is the stuff of California legend. He was head winemaker and consulted on major projects around the state including Matanzas Creek, Chalk Hill and Dominus. He stepped away from university led rote recipe of winemaking which was the norm and implemented the empirical practices of his European counterparts. From handling of oxygen, native yeast fermentation, using optimally ripe fruit and not acidifying red wines.

His wines have always been appreciated by those in the know, but seem to be overlooked by the New California set.

The Chardonnays are magnificent, but the Claret is just the type of light red wine we want to enjoy with a light chill and a burger. The Cabernet Sauvignon is an underpriced gem, but sadly will be discontinued in a few vintages due to the exorbitant cost of grapes in Napa Valley and David's view that wine should be accessible.

David is in the process of passing the baton to his children. We met with Claire, who is definitely the woman I want in charge of my imaginary wine estate. She's energetic, thoughtful and has a grasp on both the history she is inheriting and the future she can build with it. I'm only sad it took me this long to figure out how much I love these wines.