Ram’s Gate, Carneros (California) Chardonnay 2019

 This shows pale golden color and appealing aromas of ripe apple, pear and a notes of Meyer lemon zest and vanilla.  It is crisp and lively, with mouthwatering acidity that balances the ripe apple, pear, melon and Meyer lemon fruit.  The wine is based on several Chardonnay clones, primarily the Wente clone in the starring role with the Robert Young clone for a touch of richness contribute the layers of flavors.  It spends 11 months in oak, 24 percent new French oak, and is an elegant wine that will complement roast chicken, baked halibut with lemon butter, or a ripe Gruyere cheese.  As noted on the label, the grapes are grown on the winery’s 28-acre estate in Carneros.  Joe Nielsen is General Manager and Winemaker.  He is a Michigan native with a degree in Horticulture and an executive wine MBA from Sonoma State University.  He came to Ram’s Gate from Donelan Family Wines where he was head winemaker.  Assistant winemaker Orrin Oles made his Chardonnay and Pinot Noir winemaking chops at William Selyem where he worked eight years before joining Ram’s Gate in 2018.