We had the pleasure of joining David Ramey of David Ramey Wine Cellars for lunch at Lure Fishbar in Manhattan where we tasted through his newest wine releases. David is widely known as one of America's wine pioneers and is partially responsible for bringing California to the upper echelon of the winemaking world. He has an amazingly impressive resume. After studying and graduating from the University of California at Davis, he traveled to Europe and began his winemaking career with a stint at legendary Chateau Petrus. He eventually came back to the United States and helped put a number of wineries on the map, such as Chalk Hill, Matanzas Creek and most notably Dominus in the early 90's, before eventually launching his own label, David Ramey Wine Cellars in 1996. In addition to making his own wines he currently consults for Snowden Wines and most recently Rodney Strong.

David is a negociant for all of the wines he produces except for the 'Pedregal Vineyard' which he now owns. We've been huge fans and followers of David for some time now for his undoubtedly French style of winemaking.  He learned all that he knows about winemaking there and the style rings true in all of the wines he produces. While much of California's new wines are fruit forward and over the top, his wines are anything but that, and are impeccably balanced with terrific acidity that will no doubt make all his wines hold up for many, many years. Some of his reds could age as well as some of the finest Bordeaux from France and will last 30-40 years.

The wines at today's lunch did not disappoint. Here's a bit about each in the line-up:

We started with two Appellation Chardonnays from 2008.  They had tremendous fruit and terrific freshness to them - great intro Chards.

Next, we tasted the single vineyard Chardonnays from 2007.  These have layers of fruit and a lushness to them that is reminiscent of Grand Cru Burgundy. Each sip of wine leaves you wanting more. When I asked David how long he expected these wines to age, he said without hesitation, "At least another 15 years or more." I don't doubt it at all with the bright acidity that is tucked away in these wines. While he doesn't mind drinking his wines upon release he also notes that these wines are only going to improve with cellar age.

Then it was onto the reds which were a true treat as well. The entry level 2007 Claret (in the style of Bordeaux - primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc) is already drinking well with great fruit and soft supple tannins.

The 2007 Cabernet stepped it up a notch with slightly more going on in the nose and in the palate while not losing focus of the clear, distinct style of Ramey.

As a special treat, he poured his 2008Pedregal which is simply beautiful.  It was the first time they showed this wine in the United States in the new vintage. Since the Rameys actually own this vineyard it is special project for them and it shows in the wines.

Finally, the 2007 Syrah is wonderful as well and not your typical over-the-top fruit bomb that many California winemakers seem to be going for these days. If blinded on this wine you would be hard pressed to not say it was from the northern Rhone.

Lure Fishbar was a great spot to meet for lunch and David's wines paired magnificently with the menu that was chosen below. Our thanks to David Ramey for making the trip to NY and we can only hope this incredibly talented winemaker will return soon!

Reception
2008 Ramey 'Russian River' Valley Chardonnay

Amuse Bouche
Lobster Crouton
Golden Garlic & Chilies, Sour Dough, Parsley
2008 Ramey 'Sonoma Coast' Chardonnay

1st Course
Jumbo Lump Crabmeat
Risotto, Winter Vegetables, Crab Jus
2007 Ramey 'Hyde Vineyard' Chardonnay
2007 Ramey 'Ritchie Vineyard' Chardonnay

2nd Course
Grilled Short Ribs
Horseradish Potato, Pearl Onions, Wilted Greens
2007 Ramey 'Claret'
2007 Ramey Cabernet Sauvignon
2008 Ramey 'Pedregal Vineyard' Napa Valley

3rd Course
Cheese Plate
Winnimere
Jasper Hill Farm, Raw Cow, Vermont
Ascutney Mountain
Cobb Hill Farm, Raw Cow, Vermont
2007 Ramey Syrah


We are in the process of acquiring these wines but we do have a fine selection of Ramey from other vintages.  Search "Ramey" in our search engine to find them.