Rich, complex, yet full of bright fruitiness and spice. On the nose it has berry fruit, along with some bright cherry notes, toasty oak and a good hit of classic Burgundian complexity. Over it all is a bright balance of cardamom spice.

Kent Rasmussen's earliest plantings were suitable to start making ultra premium Pinot Noir by 1986. In a few years Ken and his wife Celia Ramsey were producing great Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. In 1989, Kent and Celia launched a second brand called "Ramsay" of high quality, but lower prices. All grapes are either estate grown or under long contract with regional growers. Looking toward the future, in 1999, 250 olive trees and Cabernet vines were planted on the St. Helena property.

Technical notes

Alcohol 13.37% Residual Sugar 68 parts/million Aged in oak Vineyard Characteristics Soil of loam, clay and limestone with a generally warm climate of cool breezes.