2005 Ramey Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard
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Tasting notes
(15.4% alcohol; 6.3 g/l acidity; 76% new oak): Bright yellow with a gold tinge; much healthier color than the 2006. Fresher on the nose as well, offering a sexy Burgundian funkiness to its aromas of truffle, clove, oatmeal, biscuit and caramel. Silky and full in the mouth, showing surprising mineral energy and soft citrus lift. Ripe acidity is perfectly integrated. Finishes with a touch of phenolics and excellent length. Ultimately higher-pitched than the nose suggests, and still full of life. Ramey told me that he has always liked this cooler vintage.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Now fully mature, the 2005 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard is a bit more evolved than the 2005 Ritchie Chardonnay tasted alongside it. Rich, honeyed and voluptuous on the palate, the 2005 Hyde is quite overt and opulent. Honey, sweet spices, orange peel, mint and wild flowers are laced into the super-expressive, resonant finish.
Yellow-gold. Stunningly nuanced aromas of smoky lemon, lime, poached pear, licorice and iodine complicated by dusty talc and white flowers. Impressively chewy and deeply concentrated, offering strong citrus and orchard fruit flavors underscored by smoky minerals and succulent herbs. This extremely complex wine has the concentration and balance to reward patience.
More accessible now than the Hudson, yet will improve with bottle age. Fabulous from start to finish, with inviting scents of lemon oil, apple, minerals, sweet vanillin and brown spice. Concentrated and intense, with perfectly ripe apple, white peach and citrus, and hints of caramel and oak spice. Medium-full body, not at all heavy, finishing lemony, dry and crisp.