Ramey Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Region and Vineyards

Napa Valley's south-north arc, flanked by the Mayacamas and Vaca ranges, delivers a marked diurnal shift and a patchwork of soils across 16 nested AVAs—conditions that temper ripeness and build freshness in Cabernet. Morning fogs, Mediterranean summers, and varied elevations create a spectrum from supple valley-floor wines to more sinewy mountain expressions.

This appellation bottling draws predominantly from Oak Knoll (70%) for cool-tilted poise, with mountain nerve from Mount Veeder (10%) and mid-valley polish via Oakville (5%); smaller portions come from Alexander Valley (11%) and Sonoma County (4%). The blend mirrors the valley's geology—decomposed rock from both ranges blending with silt, clay and gravel of the Napa River floodplain—yielding breadth and finely grained tannin. Mount Veeder's breezy, long-season slopes contribute ageworthy structure, while Oakville's alluvial fans underpin classic Cabernet depth.

Winemaking

The 2019 is 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc. Grapes were picked September 23-October 16 at an average 25.6° Brix, then fermented with native yeasts; malolactic was also indigenous. The house aim is to marry Bordelaise technique with California's natural amplitude, preserving site clarity while achieving harmony.

Élevage is notably long: 29 months in 55% new French oak (Taransaud, François Frères, Demptos), sur lie with bi-monthly bâtonnage to "coat" tannins and integrate wood, then bottled unfiltered. Release was July 2024—a patient approach that polishes texture and length.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby with a purple core and narrow garnet rim.
• Aroma: Blackcurrant, ripe plum and dark cherry layered with cedar, graphite, cocoa, bay leaf, tobacco and a faint mountain-herb lift.
• Palate: Full-bodied yet poised; concentrated black fruit rides vibrant acidity. Fine, chalk-edged tannins build to a long, savoury finish with graphite, espresso bean and cool earth tones.

Did you know?

Ramey ages this Cabernet sur lie with periodic bâtonnage—an approach more commonly associated with fine white Burgundy—specifically to refine tannins and knit oak into the fruit. It's part of a philosophy shaped by David Ramey, a pioneer of native-yeast fermentations, barrel élevage and bottling without filtration in California.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Prime rib roast — The wine's cassis and savory tobacco complement roasted Maillard notes; firm tannins thrive beside rich, marbled beef.
• Grilled lamb chops with rosemary — Herbal tones echo the wine's bay/graphite accents; lamb's sweetness softens the tannic frame.
• Mature Comté or aged Gouda — Umami and nutty depth bridge the oak-spice and cocoa elements while salt crystallization freshens the finish.
• Porcini mushroom risotto — Earth and umami mirror the wine's mineral-savory register; creaminess highlights its supple mid-palate.

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.