| Producer | Ramey Wine Cellars |
| Country | United States |
| Region | California |
| Subregion | North Coast |
| Varietal | Bordeaux Blend |
| Vintage | 2019 |
| Sku | 17202 |
| Size | 750ml |
This gem is made up of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah, 9% Malbec, 8% Petit Verdot, 6% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc coming from a combination of vineyards across the North Coast including Alexander Valley, Sonoma, Oakville, Mount Veeder, Knight's Valley, Russian River and Lake County. This gorgeous Cab-blend was aged in about 25% new French oak for 18 months before being bottled unfiltered as is David Ramey's custom. This wine is bursting with blackberry, blueberry, red currant, and macerated strawberries layered with gorgeous hints of brown spice, toasted vanilla, lead pencil, and shaved dark chocolate. Ramey Wine Cellars was founded in 1996 by David Ramey and his wife Carla. After sixteen years making wine in Sonoma County, and firmly establishing Matanzas Creek and Chalk Hill wineries in the marketplace, David crossed the Mayacamas to spend six years in the Napa Valley–first as winemaker for Dominus Estate, then helping Leslie Rudd reshape the Girard Winery into Rudd Oakville and setting both of those wineries at the very top of the best in Napa.
The 2019 Claret North Coast Red Wine is a killer value, with great lift and freshness throughout. Made from 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah, and the rest Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Malbec, the majority of the fruit was sourced from Jericho Canyon. Pouring a youthful purple/red, it is lifted with aromas of graphite, fresh black cherry, cedar, and pine needles. Full-bodied but lifted, it offers ripe tannins, fresh acidity, and notes of fresh red and black fruit, pressed flowers, and turned soil earthiness on the finish. It's drinking well now but is certainly worth cellaring over the next 10 or more years. It’s a great value.
Sophisticated spices and minerals in the aroma and layered, complex fruits, herbs and spices in the flavor give a lot to explore in this medium- to full-bodied wine. Moderate tannins and light acidity support the array of dark plums, tobacco, toast and vanilla. So tempting to drink now but best from 2026-2036.
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