2017 Ramey Wine Cellars Annum Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

Oak Knoll 56%, Oakville 30%, Mount Veeder 10%, and 4% Sonoma County

Napa Valley soils are primarily comprised of broken down or decomposed rock that has been carried downhill from the eastern Vaca range and the western Mayacamas range into the base of the valley, where they ultimately intermingle with the silt, clay and gravel deposits of the Napa River flood plain.

2017 began with a very wet winter. The summer was mild until a significant heatwave around Labor Day sent growers scrambling to pick the first wave of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. After the heat wave, temperatures were warm and steady, allowing winemakers to make picking decisions based on optimal fruit maturity rather than impending weather. Yields were average to light.

80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc

Native-yeast and full natural malolactic fermentations. Aging sur lies with bi-monthly bâtonnage coats the tannins and integrates the wood. The 2017 vintage matured 24 months in new French oak barrels (Taransaud & Demptos). Non-filtered.

“2017 Annum Cabernet Sauvignon is our proprietary winemaker’s blend allowing us to choose the best lots from top vineyard sources. The result is a powerful wine with rich texture, silky noble tannins and deep varietal concentration, nicely framed by sweet and savory French oak tones.” – David Ramey