Ramey Chardonnay "Hyde Vineyard" 2022
(Carneros, Napa Valley) - [JS 98] [JD 97] [DM 97] [WS 96] [WA 96]

About the Winery:
David Ramey is unquestionably one of the most renowned winemakers in California. He has made wines and consulted for some of the top names in Napa Valley and France, including Chateau Pétrus (the world's most expensive Bordeaux), Chalk Hill, Matanzas Creek, Dominus Estate, and Rudd. Together with his wife Carla, he founded his namesake winery in 1996. The second generation, Claire and Alan Ramey, began working at the winery in 2013 and have been cross-trained in all aspects of winery operations. In 2021, Claire and Alan became co-presidents of Ramey Wine Cellars. 

About this Wine:
Hyde Vineyard is on the Napa side of the Carneros District. Summer temperatures are kept relatively cool by marine air flowing through the Petaluma Gap. Ancient creek beds provide drainage and add a scattering of rocks. The soils are heavy Haire Clay Loam about 30 inches deep with impenetrable clay subsoil which limits vine vigor and crop yield.

58% Old Wente field selection (planted 1997 and 1999) and 42% a selection of Calera that Larry Hyde chose himself (planted 2014) 

Aging: After aging 20 months in 20% new French oak barrels, the Chardonnay was traditionally fined for clarity and texture and bottled without filtration in June 2024. 

Ratings & Reviews

98 Points - James Suckling:  
"This outstanding, age-worthy wine shows all the richness, breadth and depth typical of this singular property on the Napa side of Carneros. It is ripe and fruity in aromas, creamy in texture and layered in pastry, baked apple, nutmeg and vanilla bean flavors. Poached pears, marzipan, lemon zest and meringue flavors expand on the palate. Such a long, lingering finish, too. Drinkable now, but best from 2030." (Apr 2025)

97 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:  
"The 2022 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard is expressive on the nose with notes of toasted spices, preserved citrus, fresh floral perfume, Marcona almond, and smoky earth. The palate has a full-bodied but elegant frame and a delicately rounded elegant finish with hints of pretty almond and floral perfume. Drink 2025-2037." - Audrey Frick (Jul 2025)

97 Points - Decanter Magazine:  
"First made in 1996, Hyde Vineyard Chardonnay was the first wine produced at Ramey. ‘I knew Larry Hyde from my time at Matanzas Creek because Merry Edwards, whom I replaced, was selling Sémillon to him,’ recalls David Ramey. ‘Larry was the first guy I called after quitting Dominus. I remember sitting in a car with Larry as a new moon rose, and I said, "That’s a good sign." So, we never had a written contract—just a handshake. As you drive into Hyde, there’s the Old Wente on the right, and that’s where we started.’ This Chardonnay is super dense and concentrated, with layers of ginger spice and salty, mineral-rich intensity. The palate unfolds with a long, saline-driven aromatic richness and an unmistakable umami character. Incredibly long-lasting, it delivers tremendous concentration, richness, and freshness. Lively and spicy, with intense fruit expression and incredible depth and length. It is a compelling and complex expression of Old Wente Hyde Vineyard Chardonnay." – Jonathan Cristaldi (Jan 2025)

96 Points - Wine Spectator:  
"Stunning and impressive for its purity and intensity, with a core of Meyer lemon, tangerine, pineapple and crunchy star fruit flavors. Details of lemon verbena, vetiver and ginger, along with hints of white tea and white pepper, bring more complexity into focus on a sleek and mouthwatering frame. Drink now through 2038. 731 cases made." – MW (Jul 2025)

96 Points - Wine Advocate:  
"The 2022 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard comes from Old Wente and Calera vines planted in 1997, 1999 and 2014. The grapes were harvested on August 19 and September 2, before the devastating Labor Day heat wave. Barrel-fermented and matured for 20 months in 20% new French oak barrels, initial tones of candle smoke and matchstick on the nose give way to baked peach, meringue and citrus blossom aromas. The medium-bodied palate is intensely concentrated and features candied citrus and mineral flavors. Its power is balanced by mouthwatering acidity, and it has a finish that goes on and on." – Erin Brooks (Aug 2025)