2017 Ramey Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

42% St. Helena, 22% Napa Valley, 12% Oak Knoll, 10% Oakville, 10% Mt. Veeder, and 4% Sonoma County

The geology and soils of Napa Valley are complex and 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, 7% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cab Franc

Native-yeast and malolactic fermentations. Aging sur lies with bi-monthly bâtonnage coats the tannins and integrates the wood. The 2017 vintage matured 30 months in 60% new French oak barrels (Taransaud & Demptos). Non-filtered.

Our thirteenth vintage of this appellation Cabernet is blended from a combination of hillside and valley floor vineyards. Our style combines the harmony produced by traditional Bordelaise winemaking techniques with the voluptuousness gained from California’s weather. – David Ramey