Dec 30, 2022
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Ram's Gate Winery
| Owner(s) | Michael John |
| Web site | www.ramsgatewinery.com |
| Link to this site |
Ram’s Gate Winery in Sonoma Carneros opened for business in September 2011. Located at the old Roche Winery site, the architect for the 22,000-square-foot, 30-acre project was Howard Backen, who has done Screaming Eagle, Meadowood Resort and more. The name comes from the fact that Carneros means ram in Spanish and the winery is located at the gateway to the Carneros and Sonoma Valley region.
The executive chef is Stacey Combs who develops small plate pairings for wine tastings to be held in the winery’s underground cellar next to the barrel room. There will also be an open kitchen for chef demonstrations, picnic foods and private wine dinners.
The initial winemaker was veteran Jeff Gaffner, previously of Saxon Brown, Xtant, Stephanie and Black Kite Cellars. In 2018, Joe Nielsen became director of winemaking. He was the head winemaker at Donelan Family Wines for nine years prior.
Multiple varietals are offered including a Carneros Pinot Noir, a Sangiacomo Roberts Road Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, and a Bush Crispo Vineyards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. Additional vineyard sources are planned, including Silver Eagle in the Sonoma Coast, Diablo in the Russian River Valley, and Glass House in the Petaluma Gap. In addition, the winery has plantings of Chardonnay, Syrah and small lots of Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel.
Only a 40-minute drive north of San Francisco, this is certain to be a popular destination winery in Sonoma. Appointments for tasting are recommended and are held in the Covered Gallery, the Pavilion, the Pond or the Tasting Hall. 707-721-8700. 28700 Arnold Dr., Sonoma (just past Sonoma Raceway on the right).
Articles About Ram's Gate Winery
California Pinot Noir Worth Toasting (11.20 3/15/2018)
Gap’s Crown: Cool Climate Grape Nirvana (11.22 4/14/2018)
Recently Tasted California Chardonnay (11.20 3/15/2018)
Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir & Chardonnay (10.40 10/20/2016)
Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir & Chardonnay & Outliers (9.43 7/19/2014)
Sips of Recently Tasted Russian River Valley Pinot Noir (9.49 10/20/2014)
Reviewed Wines
2015 Ram’s Gate Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., pH 3.5, TA 0.59, 670 cases, $46.
·
Moderately dark
garnet color in the glass. Many aromatic nuances show up on the nose including boysenberry, black raspberry,
grilled beef, underbrush and earthiness. Rather rich and jammy with a core of brooding black fruits, dark
chocolate and black tea flavors framed by genteel tannins. Sleek in the mouth, with a modest finish.
Score: 89.
Reviewed March 17, 2018
ARTICLE »
2015 Ram’s Gate El Diablo Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay
3.24, TA 0.58, 325 cases, $68.
Vineyard planted in 2006 by Ulises Valdez who manages the site.
·
Moderate golden yellow color in the glass.
The nose is blessed with hi-tone aromas of apple, ripe pear, lemongrass and buttered toast. Highly flavorful in
a rich style, with flavors of lemon, pineapple and ripe apple that grab onto the palate and persist through the
finish. Toasty, charred oak plies the background. Good vibrancy and lift on the finish.
Score: 93.
Reviewed March 17, 2018
ARTICLE »
2015 Ram’s Gate Gap’s Crown Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH 3.30, TA 0.58, 333
cases, $72. A new addition to the Rams Gate portfolio. This vineyard is located in the Petaluma Gap AVA and
consists of 138 acres ranging in elevation from 300 to 840 feet above sea level. Aged 11 months in French oak
barrels, 40% new.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Reserved aromas of black cherry, blackberry,
plum and old cellar entice. Plump and luxurious, yet suave and caressing in the mouth, with a boat load of dark
fruit. The sap is balanced with a backbone of fine-grain tannins and gracious acidity as well as supportive oak. I
can’t emphasize enough the intensity of fruit flavor and must score the wine high simply on fruit audacity. Like
Olympic figure skater Nathan Chen this wine pushes the envelope.
Score: 93.
Reviewed March 17, 2018
ARTICLE »
2015 Ram’s Gate Roberts Road Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., pH 3.40, TA 0.58, 178 cases, $72.
Located in the Petaluma Gap AVA, this vineyard dates to 1999 and is farmed by the Sangiacomo family.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Seductive aromas of cherry, strawberry and warm spices are engaging. The
flavors echo the aromas in a mid weighted wine with impressive length in the mouth, leaving behind a long,
juicy, cherry-fueled finish. The mouth feel is soft and relaxing. The load of fruit sap is kept in check by adroit
acidity so that the wine is balletic and fresh in character.
Score: 93.
Reviewed March 17, 2018
ARTICLE »
2015 Rams Gate Gap’s Crown Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH 3.30, TA 0.58, 333
cases, $72. A new addition to the Rams Gate portfolio. This vineyard is located in the Petaluma Gap AVA and
consists of 138 acres ranging in elevation from 300 to 840 feet above sea level. Aged 11 months in French oak
barrels, 40% new.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Reserved aromas of black cherry, blackberry,
plum and old cellar entice. Plump and luxurious, yet suave and caressing in the mouth, with a boat load of dark
fruit. The sap is balanced with a backbone of fine-grain tannins and gracious acidity as well as supportive oak. I
can’t emphasize enough the intensity of fruit flavor and must score the wine high simply on fruit audacity. Like
Olympic figure skater Nathan Chen this wine pushes the envelope.
Score: 93.
Reviewed April 14, 2018
ARTICLE »
2015 Ram’s Gate Durell Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
14.5% alc., pH 3.30, TA 0.61,
643 cases, $74.
·
Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Wowzer! Stately aromas of lemon-lime,
flint, spice and marzipan, opening over time in a seductive progression. Captivating vibrancy with
impeccable barrel integration and overall harmony. Bracing flavors of lemon-lime and golden apple
play off subtle accents of butter and vanilla. Slightly creamy in texture, with a sustaining finish of
uncommon length. Easy to find superlatives for this beauty.
Score: 95.
Reviewed March 17, 2018
ARTICLE »
2015 Ram’s Gate Bush Crispo Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH 3.40, TA 0.58,
497 cases, $76. Vines are rooted in stony loam soil on an elevated bench with optimal drainage. Aged 11
months in French oak barrels, 33% new.
·
Light ruby red color in the glass. Shy, but pleasant aromas of cherry,
baking spice and prune. Light to mid weight flavors of black cherry and purple berry that veer to very ripe
territory. Nicely balanced, with an elegant demeanor, a soft texture, a compliment of nutty oak and a lingering
finish.
Score: 92.
Reviewed March 17, 2018
ARTICLE »
2015 Ram’s Gate El Diablo Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., pH 3.50, TA 0.59, 325
cases, $76. This property is maintained by Ulises Valdez. Vines here were planted in 2006 on steep slopes in
gravelly, rocky clay over sandy loam soils.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Aromas of cherry, red
berry, spice and a dash of toast lead to a middleweight styled wine with a serious attack of well-spiced red and
purple fruits backed by a firm tannic grip. Nicely composed with good harmony, offering an amazingly
persistent finish with fruit holding on for dear life.
Score: 93.
Reviewed March 17, 2018
ARTICLE »
2015 Ram’s Gate Estate Carneros Chardonnay
14.4% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.60, 415 cases, $76. 4.2-acre
hillside vineyard exposed to cooling winds from San Pablo Bay and marked diurnal variation throughout
growing season. Named the Estate Faultline Vineyard, it is tended by vineyard manager Ned Hill.
·
Moderate
golden yellow color in the glass. Complex nose sporting aromas of lemon curd, pineapple, honeycomb, guava
and char. Lusciously appointed with ostentatious pineapple flavor. Soft and creamy in the mouth with enough
supportive acidity to lift up. Very California in tropical fruit character but very Hawaii in its pineapple theme.
Score: 92.
Reviewed March 17, 2018
ARTICLE »
2015 Ram’s Gate Silver Eagle Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.30, TA 0.61, 132 cases,
$76. This property is managed by Ulises Valdez. Located in
the Green Valley of Russian River Valley region, the vines
were planted in 2007 near the town of Occidental just 6
miles from the coast. Aged 18 months in French oak barrels,
40% new.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass.
Appealing perfume of cherry, allspice, and earthy flora. A complete wine
with luscious black cherry and black raspberry fruit flavors that strike an
impression. The fruit is infused with exotic spices that hold interest.
Bold on the attack, lengthy in the mouth, and finishing with purpose and
generosity.
Score: 94.
Reviewed March 17, 2018
ARTICLE »
2015 Ram’s Gate Estate Carneros Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., pH 3.40, TA 0.59, 188 cases, $78.
·
Moderately light
garnet color in the glass. The nose shows off aromas of cherry, raspberry, toast and coffee. Oak-kissed cherry
and red berry fruit form the vibrant and juicy core of this wine. Forward drinking, with silken tannins and a
cherry-driven finish. Oak intercedes a little too much in what otherwise is a very charming wine.
Score: 92.
Reviewed March 17, 2018
ARTICLE »
2014 Ram’s Gate Carneros Chardonnay
14.3% alc., pH 3.30, TA 0.61, 700 cases, $36.
·
Moderate
golden yellow color in the glass. Aromas of apple, lemon peel, buttery brioche and nutty oak. A fruitforward
style, with flavors of lemon, apple and pineapple, underlain with a pastry cream note. Wellendowed
and rather luscious, yet offering balanced acidity and deft barrel management.
Score: 89.
Reviewed October 19, 2016
ARTICLE »
2014 Ram’s Gate Green Acres Hill Vineyard Carneros Chardonnay
14.7% alc., pH 3.30, TA 0.64, 263
cases, $62. The first vineyard that Vittorio Sangiacomo planted. Old Wente clone. Aged 11 months in 40% new
French oak barrels.
·
Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. An array of enticing aromas include lemon,
Bartlett pear, toasty brioche and a white flower note. Also a bit floral on the palate, with added flavors of lemon
and pineapple. Somewhat restrained, with bracing acidity, a slightly viscous mouthfeel, and some length on the
citrus-driven finish. Nothing but good things to say about this wine.
Score: 93.
Reviewed October 19, 2016
ARTICLE »
2014 Ram’s Gate Hudson Vineyard Carneros Chardonnay
15.1% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.57, 359
cases, $64. Calera clone grown on the Napa County side of Carneros.
·
Moderate golden yellow color
in the glass. Ripe fruit aromas of lemon pie, pear and pineapple. The essence of lemon is
complimented by flavors of pear, apple and spice in a highly delicious, heady version of Chardonnay.
Very slightly creamy in texture, with spry acidity, and uncompromising intensity and length on the
finish. Impressive balance at this high ABV. This is a Chardonnay to drink by itself, offering a
contemplative experience from one of California’s grand cru Chardonnay vineyards.
Score: 94.
Reviewed October 19, 2016
ARTICLE »
2014 Ram’s Gate Durrell Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
14.9% alc., pH 3.30, TA 0.61, 355 cases,
$74. Aged 11 months in 33% new French oak barrels.
·
Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Elevating
aromas of golden apple, lemon and nutty oak draw you into the glass. Exceptional harmony, with acidity in its
place, and flavors of lemon, Asian pear, vanilla and bark.
Score: 92.
Reviewed October 19, 2016
ARTICLE »
2014 Ram’s Gate Ram’s Gate Estate Vineyard Carneros Chardonnay
14.6% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.60, 227
cases, $76. 4.2-acres of hillside vines planted on the Ram’s Gate Estate Faultline Vineyard. A blend of five
clones. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 33% new.
·
Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. This
wine’s nose speaks more of salinity and lees with only a hint of lemon curd and oak aromas. Slightly creamy on the
palate, with flavors of lemon, apple and pastry cream, in a sleek, fresh and understated style that has
exemplary balance and only a bit of oak in the background.
Score: 91.
Reviewed October 19, 2016
ARTICLE »
2012 Ram’s Gate Carneros Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., pH 3.60, TA o.55, 1,954 cases, $40. Aged 11
months in new and used French oak.
·
Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Deep and dark
fruited with aromas of black cherries, black currants, dark chocolate and baking spices. Full-bodied
flavors of black cherry and blackberry with appealing earth, cola and grilled mushroom accents that
are typical of Carneros Pinot Noir. Mouth filling on the attack and generous and rich on the finish with
well-managed oak. Not a subtle wine by any stretch, but you have to like its gritty presence.
Score: 90.
Reviewed July 19, 2014
ARTICLE »
2012 Ram’s Gate Glass House Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., pH 3.40, TA 0.57, 252 cases, $62. Aged 11
months in two-thirds new French oak.
·
Moderately light reddish
purple hue in the glass. Pleasing scents of dark cherry pie glaze
and spice that pick up vibrancy over time. Forward drinking and
noticeably intense, with broad flavors of dark red cherries, spice
and oak. Impeccably balanced, this cherry-themed wine unveils
many nuances that catch your interest over time in the glass. This
beauty is stylish and friendly in the mouth, and, simply put, flat out
delicious.
Score: 93.
Reviewed July 19, 2014
ARTICLE »
2012 Ram’s Gate Sangiocomo Vineyards Roberts Road Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.8% alc.,
pH 3.60, TA 0.55, 442 cases, $68. Aged 11 months in 50% new French oak.
·
Light garnet color in the
glass. Very fruity on the nose with bright aromas of strawberry and cherry. A little baking spice,
sandalwood and sassafras chimes in. Thoroughly enjoyable in the mouth with flavors of red berries
and cherry that fan out on the palate. There is definitely an oak presence in this wine but it is not
imposing. The soft, slippery, and modestly long finish aims to please.
Score: 92.
Reviewed July 19, 2014
ARTICLE »
2012 Ram’s Gate Bush Crispo Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., pH 3.61, TA 0.54, 734 cases, $70. A medium to early ripening site
with well-drained, stony loam soil. Aged 11 months in 75% new French oak.
·
Medium reddish purple color in the glass. Fragrant with aromas of Bing
cherries, cola, pie spice and subtle smoky oak. Soft and smooth on the palate
with a tenacious middleweight core of black cherry and purple berry fruit
framed by oak-driven notes of toast and spice which adds a layer of flavor.
This wine displays the luscious, opulent fruit that the Russian River Valley is
known for but still has verve and brightness. The tannins are well integrated
and the finish is long and satisfying.
Score: 90.
Reviewed October 20, 2014
ARTICLE »
2012 Ram’s Gate Ulises Valdez Diablo Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH 3.70, TA 0.48, 344 cases, $70. Vineyard planted in
2006 on steep slopes. Soils are gravelly, rocky clay over sandy loam. Aged 11 months in 40% new French
oak.
·
Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Awesome aromas of Bing cherry pie glaze, blueberrypomegranate,
and rose petal. The aromas carry remarkable intensity over an extended time in the glass. The
dark cherry, boysenberry and pomegranate fruit is on the ripe side but is stunning in intensity of flavor, and
augmented by a touch of cardamom spice and toast in the background. The oak is much more complimentary
in this wine. The sappy core is clothed in a soft, seductive cloak of tannins. This wine still had plenty of
swagger the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle.
Score: 91.
Reviewed October 20, 2014
ARTICLE »
2012 Ram’s Gate Ulises Valdez Silver Eagle Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., pH
3.60, TA 0.54, 344 cases, $70. This vineyard is located in the Green Valley of Russian River Valley and is
owned and farmed by noted viticulturist Ulises Valdez. The vines were planted in 2007 on a hillside near the
town of Occidental just 6 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean. Aged 11 months in 66% new French oak.
·
Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. This wine really pushes the ripeness envelope. The aromas
of purple grape syrup, blackberry, anise and oak tend to be muted over time. The full-bodied core of mixed
black and purple berries and the blackest cherries is sweet, syrupy and concentrated. Soft and velvety in the
mouth, this wine has a firm, but not imposing tannic backbone. The finish is noticeably long and intense. A bit
tiring when tasted over time with a super ripe, cooked fruit quality on display. Succulent rather than complex.
Score: 88.
Reviewed October 20, 2014
ARTICLE »
2015 Ram’s Gate Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., pH 3.5, TA 0.59, 670 cases, $46. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Many aromatic nuances show up on the nose including boysenberry, black raspberry, grilled beef, underbrush and earthiness. Rather rich and jammy with a core of brooding black fruits, dark chocolate and black tea flavors framed by genteel tannins. Sleek in the mouth, with a modest finish. Score: 89. Reviewed March 17, 2018 ARTICLE »
2015 Ram’s Gate El Diablo Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay
3.24, TA 0.58, 325 cases, $68. Vineyard planted in 2006 by Ulises Valdez who manages the site. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. The nose is blessed with hi-tone aromas of apple, ripe pear, lemongrass and buttered toast. Highly flavorful in a rich style, with flavors of lemon, pineapple and ripe apple that grab onto the palate and persist through the finish. Toasty, charred oak plies the background. Good vibrancy and lift on the finish. Score: 93. Reviewed March 17, 2018 ARTICLE »
2015 Ram’s Gate Gap’s Crown Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH 3.30, TA 0.58, 333 cases, $72. A new addition to the Rams Gate portfolio. This vineyard is located in the Petaluma Gap AVA and consists of 138 acres ranging in elevation from 300 to 840 feet above sea level. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Reserved aromas of black cherry, blackberry, plum and old cellar entice. Plump and luxurious, yet suave and caressing in the mouth, with a boat load of dark fruit. The sap is balanced with a backbone of fine-grain tannins and gracious acidity as well as supportive oak. I can’t emphasize enough the intensity of fruit flavor and must score the wine high simply on fruit audacity. Like Olympic figure skater Nathan Chen this wine pushes the envelope. Score: 93. Reviewed March 17, 2018 ARTICLE »
2015 Ram’s Gate Roberts Road Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., pH 3.40, TA 0.58, 178 cases, $72. Located in the Petaluma Gap AVA, this vineyard dates to 1999 and is farmed by the Sangiacomo family. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Seductive aromas of cherry, strawberry and warm spices are engaging. The flavors echo the aromas in a mid weighted wine with impressive length in the mouth, leaving behind a long, juicy, cherry-fueled finish. The mouth feel is soft and relaxing. The load of fruit sap is kept in check by adroit acidity so that the wine is balletic and fresh in character. Score: 93. Reviewed March 17, 2018 ARTICLE »
2015 Rams Gate Gap’s Crown Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH 3.30, TA 0.58, 333 cases, $72. A new addition to the Rams Gate portfolio. This vineyard is located in the Petaluma Gap AVA and consists of 138 acres ranging in elevation from 300 to 840 feet above sea level. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Reserved aromas of black cherry, blackberry, plum and old cellar entice. Plump and luxurious, yet suave and caressing in the mouth, with a boat load of dark fruit. The sap is balanced with a backbone of fine-grain tannins and gracious acidity as well as supportive oak. I can’t emphasize enough the intensity of fruit flavor and must score the wine high simply on fruit audacity. Like Olympic figure skater Nathan Chen this wine pushes the envelope. Score: 93. Reviewed April 14, 2018 ARTICLE »
2015 Ram’s Gate Durell Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
14.5% alc., pH 3.30, TA 0.61, 643 cases, $74. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Wowzer! Stately aromas of lemon-lime, flint, spice and marzipan, opening over time in a seductive progression. Captivating vibrancy with impeccable barrel integration and overall harmony. Bracing flavors of lemon-lime and golden apple play off subtle accents of butter and vanilla. Slightly creamy in texture, with a sustaining finish of uncommon length. Easy to find superlatives for this beauty. Score: 95. Reviewed March 17, 2018 ARTICLE »
2015 Ram’s Gate Bush Crispo Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH 3.40, TA 0.58, 497 cases, $76. Vines are rooted in stony loam soil on an elevated bench with optimal drainage. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. · Light ruby red color in the glass. Shy, but pleasant aromas of cherry, baking spice and prune. Light to mid weight flavors of black cherry and purple berry that veer to very ripe territory. Nicely balanced, with an elegant demeanor, a soft texture, a compliment of nutty oak and a lingering finish. Score: 92. Reviewed March 17, 2018 ARTICLE »
2015 Ram’s Gate El Diablo Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., pH 3.50, TA 0.59, 325 cases, $76. This property is maintained by Ulises Valdez. Vines here were planted in 2006 on steep slopes in gravelly, rocky clay over sandy loam soils. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Aromas of cherry, red berry, spice and a dash of toast lead to a middleweight styled wine with a serious attack of well-spiced red and purple fruits backed by a firm tannic grip. Nicely composed with good harmony, offering an amazingly persistent finish with fruit holding on for dear life. Score: 93. Reviewed March 17, 2018 ARTICLE »
2015 Ram’s Gate Estate Carneros Chardonnay
14.4% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.60, 415 cases, $76. 4.2-acre hillside vineyard exposed to cooling winds from San Pablo Bay and marked diurnal variation throughout growing season. Named the Estate Faultline Vineyard, it is tended by vineyard manager Ned Hill. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Complex nose sporting aromas of lemon curd, pineapple, honeycomb, guava and char. Lusciously appointed with ostentatious pineapple flavor. Soft and creamy in the mouth with enough supportive acidity to lift up. Very California in tropical fruit character but very Hawaii in its pineapple theme. Score: 92. Reviewed March 17, 2018 ARTICLE »
2015 Ram’s Gate Silver Eagle Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.30, TA 0.61, 132 cases, $76. This property is managed by Ulises Valdez. Located in the Green Valley of Russian River Valley region, the vines were planted in 2007 near the town of Occidental just 6 miles from the coast. Aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Appealing perfume of cherry, allspice, and earthy flora. A complete wine with luscious black cherry and black raspberry fruit flavors that strike an impression. The fruit is infused with exotic spices that hold interest. Bold on the attack, lengthy in the mouth, and finishing with purpose and generosity. Score: 94. Reviewed March 17, 2018 ARTICLE »
2015 Ram’s Gate Estate Carneros Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., pH 3.40, TA 0.59, 188 cases, $78. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. The nose shows off aromas of cherry, raspberry, toast and coffee. Oak-kissed cherry and red berry fruit form the vibrant and juicy core of this wine. Forward drinking, with silken tannins and a cherry-driven finish. Oak intercedes a little too much in what otherwise is a very charming wine. Score: 92. Reviewed March 17, 2018 ARTICLE »
2014 Ram’s Gate Carneros Chardonnay
14.3% alc., pH 3.30, TA 0.61, 700 cases, $36. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Aromas of apple, lemon peel, buttery brioche and nutty oak. A fruitforward style, with flavors of lemon, apple and pineapple, underlain with a pastry cream note. Wellendowed and rather luscious, yet offering balanced acidity and deft barrel management. Score: 89. Reviewed October 19, 2016 ARTICLE »
2014 Ram’s Gate Green Acres Hill Vineyard Carneros Chardonnay
14.7% alc., pH 3.30, TA 0.64, 263 cases, $62. The first vineyard that Vittorio Sangiacomo planted. Old Wente clone. Aged 11 months in 40% new French oak barrels. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. An array of enticing aromas include lemon, Bartlett pear, toasty brioche and a white flower note. Also a bit floral on the palate, with added flavors of lemon and pineapple. Somewhat restrained, with bracing acidity, a slightly viscous mouthfeel, and some length on the citrus-driven finish. Nothing but good things to say about this wine. Score: 93. Reviewed October 19, 2016 ARTICLE »
2014 Ram’s Gate Hudson Vineyard Carneros Chardonnay
15.1% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.57, 359 cases, $64. Calera clone grown on the Napa County side of Carneros. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Ripe fruit aromas of lemon pie, pear and pineapple. The essence of lemon is complimented by flavors of pear, apple and spice in a highly delicious, heady version of Chardonnay. Very slightly creamy in texture, with spry acidity, and uncompromising intensity and length on the finish. Impressive balance at this high ABV. This is a Chardonnay to drink by itself, offering a contemplative experience from one of California’s grand cru Chardonnay vineyards. Score: 94. Reviewed October 19, 2016 ARTICLE »
2014 Ram’s Gate Durrell Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
14.9% alc., pH 3.30, TA 0.61, 355 cases, $74. Aged 11 months in 33% new French oak barrels. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Elevating aromas of golden apple, lemon and nutty oak draw you into the glass. Exceptional harmony, with acidity in its place, and flavors of lemon, Asian pear, vanilla and bark. Score: 92. Reviewed October 19, 2016 ARTICLE »
2014 Ram’s Gate Ram’s Gate Estate Vineyard Carneros Chardonnay
14.6% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.60, 227 cases, $76. 4.2-acres of hillside vines planted on the Ram’s Gate Estate Faultline Vineyard. A blend of five clones. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. This wine’s nose speaks more of salinity and lees with only a hint of lemon curd and oak aromas. Slightly creamy on the palate, with flavors of lemon, apple and pastry cream, in a sleek, fresh and understated style that has exemplary balance and only a bit of oak in the background. Score: 91. Reviewed October 19, 2016 ARTICLE »
2012 Ram’s Gate Carneros Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., pH 3.60, TA o.55, 1,954 cases, $40. Aged 11 months in new and used French oak. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Deep and dark fruited with aromas of black cherries, black currants, dark chocolate and baking spices. Full-bodied flavors of black cherry and blackberry with appealing earth, cola and grilled mushroom accents that are typical of Carneros Pinot Noir. Mouth filling on the attack and generous and rich on the finish with well-managed oak. Not a subtle wine by any stretch, but you have to like its gritty presence. Score: 90. Reviewed July 19, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 Ram’s Gate Glass House Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., pH 3.40, TA 0.57, 252 cases, $62. Aged 11 months in two-thirds new French oak. · Moderately light reddish purple hue in the glass. Pleasing scents of dark cherry pie glaze and spice that pick up vibrancy over time. Forward drinking and noticeably intense, with broad flavors of dark red cherries, spice and oak. Impeccably balanced, this cherry-themed wine unveils many nuances that catch your interest over time in the glass. This beauty is stylish and friendly in the mouth, and, simply put, flat out delicious. Score: 93. Reviewed July 19, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 Ram’s Gate Sangiocomo Vineyards Roberts Road Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.8% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.55, 442 cases, $68. Aged 11 months in 50% new French oak. · Light garnet color in the glass. Very fruity on the nose with bright aromas of strawberry and cherry. A little baking spice, sandalwood and sassafras chimes in. Thoroughly enjoyable in the mouth with flavors of red berries and cherry that fan out on the palate. There is definitely an oak presence in this wine but it is not imposing. The soft, slippery, and modestly long finish aims to please. Score: 92. Reviewed July 19, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 Ram’s Gate Bush Crispo Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., pH 3.61, TA 0.54, 734 cases, $70. A medium to early ripening site with well-drained, stony loam soil. Aged 11 months in 75% new French oak. · Medium reddish purple color in the glass. Fragrant with aromas of Bing cherries, cola, pie spice and subtle smoky oak. Soft and smooth on the palate with a tenacious middleweight core of black cherry and purple berry fruit framed by oak-driven notes of toast and spice which adds a layer of flavor. This wine displays the luscious, opulent fruit that the Russian River Valley is known for but still has verve and brightness. The tannins are well integrated and the finish is long and satisfying. Score: 90. Reviewed October 20, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 Ram’s Gate Ulises Valdez Diablo Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH 3.70, TA 0.48, 344 cases, $70. Vineyard planted in 2006 on steep slopes. Soils are gravelly, rocky clay over sandy loam. Aged 11 months in 40% new French oak. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Awesome aromas of Bing cherry pie glaze, blueberrypomegranate, and rose petal. The aromas carry remarkable intensity over an extended time in the glass. The dark cherry, boysenberry and pomegranate fruit is on the ripe side but is stunning in intensity of flavor, and augmented by a touch of cardamom spice and toast in the background. The oak is much more complimentary in this wine. The sappy core is clothed in a soft, seductive cloak of tannins. This wine still had plenty of swagger the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 91. Reviewed October 20, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 Ram’s Gate Ulises Valdez Silver Eagle Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.54, 344 cases, $70. This vineyard is located in the Green Valley of Russian River Valley and is owned and farmed by noted viticulturist Ulises Valdez. The vines were planted in 2007 on a hillside near the town of Occidental just 6 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean. Aged 11 months in 66% new French oak. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. This wine really pushes the ripeness envelope. The aromas of purple grape syrup, blackberry, anise and oak tend to be muted over time. The full-bodied core of mixed black and purple berries and the blackest cherries is sweet, syrupy and concentrated. Soft and velvety in the mouth, this wine has a firm, but not imposing tannic backbone. The finish is noticeably long and intense. A bit tiring when tasted over time with a super ripe, cooked fruit quality on display. Succulent rather than complex. Score: 88. Reviewed October 20, 2014 ARTICLE »