Ramey Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

Region and Vineyards

The Napa Valley appellation, California’s premier wine region, offers a tapestry of diverse terroirs, reflected in this wine. The grapes for this vintage are sourced from several renowned sub-regions: 42% St. Helena, 22% Napa Valley, 12% Oak Knoll, 10% Oakville, 10% Mt. Veeder, and 4% Sonoma County. This thoughtful selection merges the robust character of hillside vineyards with the nuanced finesse of valley-floor fruit.

Napa Valley's soils are a complex mix of decomposed rock, silt, clay, and gravel, carried down from the eastern Vaca Range and the western Mayacamas Range. This diversity, paired with the temperate Mediterranean climate, ensures optimal conditions for growing Cabernet Sauvignon and its blending companions.

Winemaking

The 2017 vintage began with a wet winter, followed by a mild summer. A significant heatwave around Labor Day accelerated early ripening, though steady warmth afterward allowed the remaining fruit to mature to perfection. Harvest took place between September 6 and October 6, achieving an average Brix of 25.0˚.

This wine is composed of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cabernet Franc. Fermentation occurred with native yeasts and included malolactic fermentation. The wine aged for 30 months sur lies in 60% new French oak barrels (from Taransaud and Demptos cooperages), with bi-monthly bâtonnage to integrate tannins and wood seamlessly. Bottled unfiltered, this meticulous process enhances the wine's depth and richness.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby with garnet highlights, reflecting concentration and aging potential.
• Aromas: Intense notes of blackcurrant, ripe plum, and blueberry, complemented by layers of cedar, vanilla, and a touch of graphite.
• Palate: Full-bodied and structured, with velvety tannins supporting flavors of dark berries, chocolate, and spiced oak. The finish is long and complex, revealing subtle hints of dried herbs and a mineral undertone.

Did you know?

This is the 13th vintage of Ramey’s Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, which exemplifies the winery’s commitment to blending hillside and valley-floor vineyards. The wine combines traditional Bordeaux-inspired winemaking with California's bold fruit expression.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled ribeye with herb butter: Enhances the wine’s structure and depth.
• Braised short ribs with rosemary and garlic: Complements its rich, savory notes.
• Wild mushroom risotto: Matches its earthy and spiced complexity.
• Aged Gouda cheese: Balances the tannins and highlights the wine’s creamy texture.

History of Ramey Wine Cellars

David Ramey established Ramey Wine Cellars in 1996, following a remarkable career that positioned him as one of California’s most influential winemakers. Originally from Seattle, David pursued a degree in oenology at UC Davis, graduating in 1979. His formative years included work at the prestigious Château Pétrus in Bordeaux, where he developed a deep respect for Old World winemaking techniques. This experience profoundly shaped his philosophy of crafting balanced, terroir-driven wines.

Upon returning to California, David worked at several prominent wineries, including Chalone, Dominus Estate, and Chalk Hill Estate Vineyards & Winery. During this time, he introduced transformative practices such as native yeast fermentation, extended sur lie aging, and barrel fermentation, bridging the best of European tradition with California’s bold, fruit-forward style. These methods became hallmarks of his approach and influenced an entire generation of winemakers.

In 1996, David and his wife Carla founded Ramey Wine Cellars, beginning with just two barrels of Chardonnay sourced from the Hyde Vineyard in Carneros. This inaugural vintage quickly garnered acclaim, establishing Ramey as a leader in California’s Chardonnay renaissance. Over the next decade, the winery expanded its portfolio to include Cabernet Sauvignon, Claret, and Syrah, focusing on single-vineyard expressions from Sonoma and Napa.

A turning point came in the early 2000s, when Ramey’s wines gained widespread recognition from critics, earning spots on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 and accolades from Wine Enthusiast and The Wine Advocate. David’s vision, rooted in producing wines with structure, elegance, and longevity, resonated with collectors and casual enthusiasts alike. His commitment to quality and innovation solidified Ramey’s position among California’s elite wineries.

Today, Ramey Wine Cellars remains a family-operated winery, with Carla overseeing operations and their children, Claire and Alan, actively involved. The winery reflects David’s philosophy of “classicism with a modern sensibility,” producing wines that honor both traditional craftsmanship and contemporary innovation.

Region and Vineyards

Ramey sources grapes from some of California’s most prestigious appellations, including the Sonoma Coast, Russian River Valley, Fort Ross-Seaview, Oakville, and Napa Valley, as well as managing estate vineyards. Key partnerships with iconic sites like Hyde Vineyard, Ritchie Vineyard, and Pedregal Vineyard ensure access to top-quality fruit.

• Sonoma Coast and Russian River Valley: Cool-climate vineyards producing vibrant, mineral-driven Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
• Fort Ross-Seaview: Coastal, high-altitude sites ideal for elegant Chardonnay with complex textures.
• Napa Valley: The source of structured and age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignons from renowned sites like Oakville and Mt. Veeder.
• Oak Knoll District: Known for balanced wines with refined richness.

The winery emphasizes sustainability, employing practices that promote soil health, biodiversity, and water conservation to preserve the vitality of its vineyards for future generations.

Wine Range of Ramey Wine Cellars

Ramey Wine Cellars offers a diverse range of wines, each reflecting the richness and diversity of California’s top wine regions:

• Chardonnay: Renowned for precision, richness, and balance, including single-vineyard gems like Ritchie Vineyard and Hyde Vineyard.
• Cabernet Sauvignon: Powerful and elegant, with standout wines such as Pedregal Vineyard and the proprietary Annum blend.
• Claret: A Bordeaux-style blend that is approachable, versatile, and crafted for immediate enjoyment.
• Pinot Noir: From cool-climate sites, showcasing finesse and vibrancy.
• Syrah: Limited-production wines with deep complexity and Rhône-inspired character.

Did you know?

David Ramey is a trailblazer in California winemaking, credited with innovations like native yeast fermentation and extended sur lie aging, now standard practices in premium wineries. Many of his protégés have gone on to establish successful wineries, spreading his philosophy of balance and innovation throughout the industry.