Needs at least an hour in the decanter to show its stuff. Oak spices and savory, fresh fruit on the nose; cutting acidity on the sleek palate, good intensity on the mid palate, long and savory aftertaste. Strikes a lovely balance between old and new world. Still young. 17.5+/20
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Decanted for 30 minutes which allowed the wine to open. Citrus and a touch of vanilla on the nose. Lemon, minerality, and spice, along with noticeable oak and a touch of herb on the medium bodied palate. Should hold.
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Generous notes of apricot, honey, mineral, saline, and mild herb supported by firm acidity through finish. Traces of toasty oak show on the close. Well done
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Love the style, the freshness and the balance. David Ramey always produces top notch Chardonnay’s from Sonoma. Wonderful steal at ~$30 USD. Perfect with the butter garlic, lemon & capers shrimp over spaghetti.
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Beautiful, energetic nose; wonderful fruit aromas of lime, lemon and tangerines, subtle oak in the background, hazelnuts and savory notes. The palate has tension and cutting acidity from start to the long finish, offers great grip and structure. Outstanding texture as well, round, supple, like liquid silk, without being creamy or buttery or feeling heavy. This is so absurdly impressive even without considering its decent price. And this will age. 18/20
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In fantastic shape, still crackling acid but the oak has relaxed and creme brulee and roasted hazelnut notes are now showing on the nose and finish. Texturally dense and limpid, with pear and Meyer lemon tones. Great stuff.
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Maybe a skosh off from the previous two vintages, but still delicious. Meyer lemon, Jonathan apple, and a healthy dose of oak commingle, with lively acidity keeping it moving. Hints of minerality too.
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Medium golden yellow in glass. Medium plus intensity on the nose. Lemon, papaya, hazelnut and spice. Gastronomic wine with Medium acidity and a medium plus finish. Lovely texture but the heat was somewhat discernable.
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Honeysuckle, lemon, some pineapple. Citrus notes on the palate. Medium finish. Competent middle of the road Chard. Went well with lobster risotto - definitely a food wine. Had a glass after dinner and it needs food to complement it.
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Fantastic even at this level appelation. Good depth, fruit, balance, finish. Nice package at $43. Compared with the oak-chipy off finish but passable Raeburn chard ($23)Hi-Lo brow tasting w/fam.
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Okay maybe one of the best Chardonnays I’ve ever had. Smelled like a Wilamette valley bottling . Not so much power but super graceful . No oak detected, not back end bitterness . Just pure fruit, reminiscent of Riesling if you will. Definitely a rebuy.
Solid, but overhyped. The nose, which is nice and complex, offered grassy and orchard-fruit aromas followed moments later by a pronounced waxy scent with hints of petrol - like a German riesling. A couple of minutes later, this was followed by gentle florals. The mouthfeel is dominated by fresh acidity with a little lushness; a little off balance. On the palate: a mix of citrus and sour apple; oak notes are restrained and appropriate. Mild to medium finish with short to medium length. IMO, because of the acidity, this wine best with food. In summary: good wine, but overhyped by certain reviewers, professional and otherwise.
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Even right from the refrigerator, this brilliantly clear and light yellow colored wine exudes ripened tropical pineapple and lemon-lime aromas, and Alsatian petroleum, along with an interestingly smokey and even additive, without being off putting, whiff of Brett. The mouthfeel is at once slightly viscous and luscious, and is driven by a velvety and gentle acidity, reminiscent of an older premiere cru Chablis, carrying flavors of the aforementioned aromas, along with a taste of a slightly over torched crème brûlée. The vibrancy and lack, to my palate, of the characteristic released volatile substances, other than the lovely lacing of vanillin on the finish of the wine, seems more commensurate with the implementation of stainless steel or concrete tanks rather than oak barrels. Still the depth and brilliance if the fruit, driven by the supportive acidity, make this wine exceptionaly food friendly. Lovely.
Light straw colored, medium bodied, vibrant fresh, clean crisp acidity with spice and floral notes, hints of stone and citrus, almonds and white blossoms, silky with mineral and freshness on a long finish.
The bright acidity was almost overpowering for standalone casual sipping but when paired with seafood it was a perfect complement that amplified the enjoyment of both the food and the wine. https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2021/12/marcos-kitchen-lagrange.html
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I can’t remember the last time I tasted this bottling, as I have been a Sonoma Coast/Fort Ross Seaview buyer for years. I decided to grab a couple of bottles, and after one I am glad I did. It’s a a song sung in a different key. There’s a little more richness, some more bass, and a slight touch of creamy/buttery on the finish. It’s still bright and fresh, especially on the front end, but overall it is a bit more comforting, more cozy blanket, despite the blanket having a zing. I like the juxtaposition of freshness and richness. I will not ignore this bottling going forward.
This is terrific chardonnay for California and well crafted. Lacks the acidity of the better parcels like Richie...Still nice, lacks finish. If it had the Richie zing, we would be at 94....Delicious. Drink!
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Cream and lactic on the nose. About 2/3 of their own vineyard called West Side Farms. Swirling takes off the cream and gets more fruit out of it. Tight and focused on the palate. All native yeast and malo. Doesn't feel like it. Tastes like burgundy on the palate. Tons of dry extract, that is a very serious wine that in I think in 2 - 3 years is really going to show its stuff in a huge way.
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Approximately four hour slow ox. Straw color. Coconut cream pie and apricot marmalade on the nose. Smooth, tongue drying palate, with a nice lemon meringue note. Wonderful, rich Chardonnay.
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Pale lemon, watery rim, viscous tears @ 14.5% abv. Medium nose of tropical fruit, pineapple, mango laced with butter/lees and toast notes. Dry, medium (+)-high acidity, high alcohol and medium (+) body. Palate of lemon, mango, yellow plum and butter and eucalyptus and white pepper notes. Well balanced, dense yet cosntrained. Long and wide finish lifted by the bright acidity. Excellent at this price point with satisfying complexity.
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Citrus, lemon pith, very subtle floral notes all framed with a nice acidity. This vintage seems to have less creaminess on the finish then past vintages. Seems to have a nice brightness to it. Very well made wine for the $30 paid. Cousin Pudge going right out to procure some more for the cellar. Went really well with spicy scallop roll.
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12/31/2023 - Luke275 Likes this wine:
Oaky, tropical and richness in abundance, but never over the top.
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12/3/2023 - ploher wrote:
Needs at least an hour in the decanter to show its stuff. Oak spices and savory, fresh fruit on the nose; cutting acidity on the sleek palate, good intensity on the mid palate, long and savory aftertaste. Strikes a lovely balance between old and new world. Still young. 17.5+/20
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11/10/2023 - VlgJeff wrote: 90 Points
Decanted for 30 minutes which allowed the wine to open. Citrus and a touch of vanilla on the nose. Lemon, minerality, and spice, along with noticeable oak and a touch of herb on the medium bodied palate. Should hold.
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6/10/2023 - 6831 wrote: 91 Points
Generous notes of apricot, honey, mineral, saline, and mild herb supported by firm acidity through finish. Traces of toasty oak show on the close. Well done
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4/9/2023 - chapleff Likes this wine: 92 Points
Tera really like
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2/17/2023 - azscot wrote: 90 Points
Bit too oaky compared to last bottle.
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1/23/2023 - Luke275 Likes this wine:
Lovely nose of vanilla, butter and crystallised pineapple. Full bodied, evident oak but with balancing acidity and lemon notes yo keep it fresh.
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12/17/2022 - azscot wrote: 92 Points
This batch of the 2018 had more weight and substance. Still has that lemon note with honeysuckle but with added brioche on a much longer finish.
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11/26/2022 - Jr11454 wrote: 89 Points
Not up to my
Expectations balance As odd primarily the
Acodty
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11/12/2022 - robferguson1 wrote: 90 Points
A bit blowsy to start due to unfamiliar high alcohol calif wine but it settled ok , nice wine .
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10/28/2022 - wmccone54 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Love the style, the freshness and the balance. David Ramey always produces top notch Chardonnay’s from Sonoma. Wonderful steal at ~$30 USD. Perfect with the butter garlic, lemon & capers shrimp over spaghetti.
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10/22/2022 - ploher wrote:
Beautiful, energetic nose; wonderful fruit aromas of lime, lemon and tangerines, subtle oak in the background, hazelnuts and savory notes. The palate has tension and cutting acidity from start to the long finish, offers great grip and structure. Outstanding texture as well, round, supple, like liquid silk, without being creamy or buttery or feeling heavy. This is so absurdly impressive even without considering its decent price. And this will age. 18/20
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10/18/2022 - JFW Likes this wine: 90 Points
Love this.
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9/18/2022 - YYCBoarder Likes this wine: 94 Points
In fantastic shape, still crackling acid but the oak has relaxed and creme brulee and roasted hazelnut notes are now showing on the nose and finish. Texturally dense and limpid, with pear and Meyer lemon tones. Great stuff.
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9/16/2022 - David J Cooper Likes this wine: 92 Points
Clear light yellow, very viscous. Medium weight lemon, flint, pear and mineral nose. Dry lemon and pear flavours and a dry refreshing finish.
Great quality.
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8/28/2022 - Neecies Likes this wine:
A brilliant wine but very tight, shy at the moment. A good decant or overnight Andouzing is needed.
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8/28/2022 - ziavino wrote: 91 Points
Maybe a skosh off from the previous two vintages, but still delicious. Meyer lemon, Jonathan apple, and a healthy dose of oak commingle, with lively acidity keeping it moving. Hints of minerality too.
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8/26/2022 - azscot wrote: 91 Points
Very drinkable
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7/31/2022 - Es7e2003 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Medium golden yellow in glass. Medium plus intensity on the nose. Lemon, papaya, hazelnut and spice. Gastronomic wine with Medium acidity and a medium plus finish. Lovely texture but the heat was somewhat discernable.
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7/16/2022 - azscot wrote: 91 Points
Honeysuckle, lemon, some pineapple. Citrus notes on the palate. Medium finish. Competent middle of the road Chard. Went well with lobster risotto - definitely a food wine. Had a glass after dinner and it needs food to complement it.
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7/10/2022 - peternelson Likes this wine: 92 Points
Fantastic even at this level appelation. Good depth, fruit, balance, finish. Nice package at $43. Compared with the oak-chipy off finish but passable Raeburn chard ($23)Hi-Lo brow tasting w/fam.
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7/8/2022 - ralaspech wrote: 90 Points
Similar to my prior note but not as tart. Minimal oak notes and a fair bit of minerals on the finish.
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6/18/2022 - Muledog71 Likes this wine: 94 Points
Okay maybe one of the best Chardonnays I’ve ever had. Smelled like a Wilamette valley bottling . Not so much power but super graceful . No oak detected, not back end bitterness . Just pure fruit, reminiscent of Riesling if you will. Definitely a rebuy.
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5/24/2022 - cweiner Likes this wine: 92 Points
House favorite.
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5/1/2022 - PMJak11 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Light gold color. Similar to the Sandhi Chard from last week but tamer and less depth. A little overpriced.
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4/23/2022 - Rond Likes this wine: 92 Points
Notes of citrus, Asian pear, and butterscotch. Medium-plus acidity
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4/2/2022 - ralaspech wrote: 90 Points
The fruit is fairly tart like lemon, white peach and dry pineapple. Minimal oak detected. Med+ acidity. I agree with others--prominent minerality.
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3/31/2022 - RPHC Likes this wine: 90 Points
Solid, but overhyped. The nose, which is nice and complex, offered grassy and orchard-fruit aromas followed moments later by a pronounced waxy scent with hints of petrol - like a German riesling. A couple of minutes later, this was followed by gentle florals. The mouthfeel is dominated by fresh acidity with a little lushness; a little off balance. On the palate: a mix of citrus and sour apple; oak notes are restrained and appropriate. Mild to medium finish with short to medium length. IMO, because of the acidity, this wine best with food. In summary: good wine, but overhyped by certain reviewers, professional and otherwise.
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3/11/2022 - Gr1tty Likes this wine: 91 Points
Bright, fresh, good acidity. Easy to pair with a variety of foods. Good oak characteristics with a bit of lemon.
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3/7/2022 - cweiner Likes this wine: 92 Points
A house fav with a great QPR.
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2/8/2022 - cweiner Likes this wine: 92 Points
Favorite house chard
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2/6/2022 - cweiner Likes this wine: 92 Points
Great QPR
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1/30/2022 - Josch48 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Even right from the refrigerator, this brilliantly clear and light yellow colored wine exudes ripened tropical pineapple and lemon-lime aromas, and Alsatian petroleum, along with an interestingly smokey and even additive, without being off putting, whiff of Brett.
The mouthfeel is at once slightly viscous and luscious, and is driven by a velvety and gentle acidity, reminiscent of an older premiere cru Chablis, carrying flavors of the aforementioned aromas, along with a taste of a slightly over torched crème brûlée.
The vibrancy and lack, to my palate, of the characteristic released volatile substances, other than the lovely lacing of vanillin on the finish of the wine, seems more commensurate with the implementation of stainless steel or concrete tanks rather than oak barrels. Still the depth and brilliance if the fruit, driven by the supportive acidity, make this wine exceptionaly food friendly. Lovely.
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1/11/2022 - cweiner Likes this wine: 92 Points
Ramey continues to exceed expections and with a great QPR
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1/1/2022 - rmcnees wrote: 90 Points
Light straw colored, medium bodied, vibrant fresh, clean crisp acidity with spice and floral notes, hints of stone and citrus, almonds and white blossoms, silky with mineral and freshness on a long finish.
The bright acidity was almost overpowering for standalone casual sipping but when paired with seafood it was a perfect complement that amplified the enjoyment of both the food and the wine.
https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2021/12/marcos-kitchen-lagrange.html
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12/30/2021 - KellySandsWines Likes this wine: 93 Points
Crisp
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12/17/2021 - nisid Likes this wine: 92 Points
Layered complexity with good acidity. Still Californian at heart but with restraint.
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12/9/2021 - rkww wrote:
WSET Level 3 Still Wines; 9/2/2021-1/20/2022: Appearance: Med lemon
Nose: Med(+) intensity; Developing (disagree—"youthful"); Notes of apple, pear, apricot, peach, nectarine, flint, coconut, dried fruit
Palate: Dry; Med(+) acid; High alcohol (14.5%); Med(+) body; Med(+) intensity; Notes of apple, pear, apricot, peach, nectarine, flint, coconut, dried fruit (and an almost oily texture); Med(+) finish
Quality: Very good
Drink now; Suitable for aging
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11/11/2021 - Rieslingfan wrote:
I can’t remember the last time I tasted this bottling, as I have been a Sonoma Coast/Fort Ross Seaview buyer for years. I decided to grab a couple of bottles, and after one I am glad I did. It’s a a song sung in a different key. There’s a little more richness, some more bass, and a slight touch of creamy/buttery on the finish. It’s still bright and fresh, especially on the front end, but overall it is a bit more comforting, more cozy blanket, despite the blanket having a zing. I like the juxtaposition of freshness and richness. I will not ignore this bottling going forward.
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10/30/2021 - Purple Tooth wrote: 92 Points
This is terrific chardonnay for California and well crafted. Lacks the acidity of the better parcels like Richie...Still nice, lacks finish. If it had the Richie zing, we would be at 94....Delicious. Drink!
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9/14/2021 - Ben Christiansen wrote:
Cream and lactic on the nose. About 2/3 of their own vineyard called West Side Farms. Swirling takes off the cream and gets more fruit out of it. Tight and focused on the palate. All native yeast and malo. Doesn't feel like it. Tastes like burgundy on the palate. Tons of dry extract, that is a very serious wine that in I think in 2 - 3 years is really going to show its stuff in a huge way.
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9/10/2021 - Cuellar's Cellar Likes this wine: 91 Points
Love Love this wine. Great wine for everyday Chard!! Well balanced.
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8/21/2021 - Cuellar's Cellar Likes this wine: 92 Points
Incredible Chardonnay. Super approachable, and definitely drinkable. Nice settle fruit. Cheers
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7/10/2021 - AGELVIS Likes this wine: 93 Points
Approximately four hour slow ox. Straw color. Coconut cream pie and apricot marmalade on the nose. Smooth, tongue drying palate, with a nice lemon meringue note. Wonderful, rich Chardonnay.
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7/9/2021 - jarad88 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Bright, citrusy lemon acidity. Cut beautifully through a creamy roast duck jambalaya at Dauphinoise.
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6/18/2021 - WineSNOBRonk Likes this wine: 95 Points
Appearance: Yellow gold, clear
Aroma: Nice light buttery oak, pear, nutmeg
Taste: Consistent, Subtle oak, spiciness, citrus, melon, butter cream. Finish mineral and saltine cracker. Better as it warms up.
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6/6/2021 - bbcc66 Likes this wine: 89 Points
Tastes of citrus, lemon & tropical fruits. Refreshing.
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5/14/2021 - Barolo Raymond Likes this wine: 90 Points
Pale lemon, watery rim, viscous tears @ 14.5% abv. Medium nose of tropical fruit, pineapple, mango laced with butter/lees and toast notes. Dry, medium (+)-high acidity, high alcohol and medium (+) body. Palate of lemon, mango, yellow plum and butter and eucalyptus and white pepper notes. Well balanced, dense yet cosntrained. Long and wide finish lifted by the bright acidity. Excellent at this price point with satisfying complexity.
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1/11/2021 - buymoreredsdrinkmorewhites wrote:
Citrus, lemon pith, very subtle floral notes all framed with a nice acidity. This vintage seems to have less creaminess on the finish then past vintages. Seems to have a nice brightness to it. Very well made wine for the $30 paid. Cousin Pudge going right out to procure some more for the cellar. Went really well with spicy scallop roll.
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