RAMEY
2016 CLARET
NAPA VALLEY
When one of the greatest American winemakers, with 40 years experience and more accomplishments than we can list, releases his version of a Claret style blend that’s made with a goal of exemplifying the best of qualities of Napa Valley terroir in a given vintage, I pay close attention… When that particular vintage ranks as the highest rated since 1997, according to the Wine Spectator Vintage Report, you might as well skip down to the order button.
Claret is a British term used to describe a red blend made from the top 5 most classic Bordeaux varietals, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Ramey’s 2016 Claret includes 4 of the top 5 Bordeaux grapes, forged from a vast selection of Appellations in Napa Valley.
David Ramey is one of the great pioneers in the California wine industry, and throughout his career, he’s helped put many iconic wineries on the map including Dominus, Rudd Estate and Jericho Canyon. His Napa Valley Claret is made in a round, supple style that’s abundantly complex, deep and layered. With solid scores from many of the top critics in the Country, I wouldn’t hesitate to secure your case.
RAMEY
2016 CLARET
NAPA VALLEY
Retails at: $42
Your Price: $39.99
Wine Enthusiast: “This blends a majority of Cabernet Sauvignon with 26% Merlot, 12% Malbec, 8% Syrah and 2% Petit Verdot. Together, they interweave into a cohesive whole of clove, black pepper and meaty intensity and integrated oak. Soft and round on the palate, it pleases at an unbelievable price.” 92 Points
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate: “…Medium to deep ruby-purple, it offers aromas of bay leaf, sage brush, cardamom, anise and clove with mint chocolate, underbrush, blackberries and blackcurrants. It’s medium to full-bodied, rounded and easygoing in the mouth, with gentle, grainy tannins and great freshness to lift the finish. It would be all too easy to glug a bottle of this “luncheon Cab,” as David Ramey calls it.” 91 Points
Jeb Dunnuck: “This medium-bodied, silky, nicely textured red offers notes of ripe black cherries, currants, and assorted tobacco and herbal notes, and it’s textured and balanced. Drink it over the coming decade.” 90 Points