Sometimes it takes years of working for other people to produce perfection when you finally venture out on your own. Such is the case with David Ramey, who spent two decades creating benchmark wines for the likes of Chalk Hill, Matanzas Creek, Dominus and Rudd before founding Ramey Wine Cellars in 1996. Located just off the Healdsburg town square in the heart of Sonoma County, Ramey’s unassuming winery sources grapes from top vineyards he has worked with for years. Initially committed to producing only chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon made in a handcrafted, Old World tradition while utilizing New World innovation, Ramey quickly gained a reputation of producing some of California’s best-rated wine. The seasoned winemaker hit a grand slam right off the bat with his 1996 Ramey Chardonnay, Carneros. This first-offering “Best Of” displays delicate characteristics of smoky, excellent fruits that please the palate and feel good in the mouth.

www.rameywine.com