Founded in 2011, Ram’s Gate Winery is perched upon a hill, where the San Francisco Bay meets the edges of Napa and Sonoma counties. It is a beautifully designed winery and tasting room that overlooks the organically farmed estate vineyard uniquely positioned between three AVAs ; the Sonoma Valley on the south side, the Sonoma Coast on the east, and Carneros on the west. Perfect growing conditions for Chardonnay.

The Ram’s Gate Carneros Chardonnay is a wonderful expression from the estate vineyard in Carneros. The wine expresses classic Carneros aromas with purity and flavors displayed in an elegant and sophisticated frame. The wine has no malolactic fermentation yet hits all the notes. Impressive! The nose opens with orange rind, spice and minerality. The palate is textured, has good weight and lovely acidity with a slight chalkiness and flavor of honeysuckle that leads to a delicious mouthfeel and long finish. The Ram’s Gate Carneros Chardonnay would benefit from 3–5 years of cellar time to gain more depth and balance.

By Perry Miroballi