Ramey Cabernet Sauvignon Pedregal Vineyard 2017

Region and Vineyards

The Pedregal Vineyard, located on the lower slopes of eastern Oakville in Napa Valley, is aptly named after the Spanish word for "rocky place." This small, hillside vineyard is distinguished by its iron-rich red soils, composed of 85% basalt rock, which impart a unique minerality and structure to the wine.

The vineyard is planted with 85% Cabernet Sauvignon (Clone 7) on St. George and 110R rootstock, established in 1990, and 15% Petit Verdot planted on 110R rootstock in 1993. The close vine spacing and challenging terrain result in low yields of intensely flavored fruit. Since 2008, Ramey Wine Cellars has maintained complete control of this site, ensuring precise farming and consistent quality.

Winemaking

The 2017 vintage began with a wet winter, followed by a mild summer that culminated in a heatwave around Labor Day. Afterward, warm and steady temperatures allowed the fruit to ripen evenly, resulting in fruit quality ranging from great to exceptional, with well-preserved acidity and moderate yields. Harvest occurred on September 6 (Petit Verdot) and September 30 (Cabernet Sauvignon), with an average Brix of 25.1˚.

The blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Petit Verdot was co-fermented using native yeasts, with full natural malolactic fermentation. The wine was aged for 24 months in new French oak barrels (Taransaud), resting on its lees with bi-monthly bâtonnage to coat the tannins and ensure smooth wood integration. Lightly fined with egg whites and bottled without filtration in March 2020, this meticulous process resulted in a wine of extraordinary depth and finesse.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep, vibrant ruby with garnet reflections, showcasing concentration and aging potential.
• Aromas: A complex bouquet of blackcurrant, dark cherry, and plum, accented by notes of cedar, graphite, and hints of violet and spice.
• Palate: Full-bodied and richly textured, with velvety tannins supporting layers of dark fruit, mocha, and earthy minerality. The wine’s firm structure and balanced acidity lead to a long, elegant finish.

Did you know?

The Pedregal Vineyard has been the source of Ramey’s premium Cabernet Sauvignon for fourteen vintages, highlighting the unique terroir of this rocky Oakville site. The meticulous co-fermentation of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot adds depth and a seamless integration of flavors.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled porterhouse steak with herb butter: Complements the wine’s robust structure and rich tannins.
• Short rib ragu over pappardelle: Enhances the wine’s dark fruit and savory complexity.
• Roasted root vegetables with thyme: Matches its earthy and mineral undertones.
• Aged cheddar cheese: Balances the wine’s firm tannins and accentuates its creamy finish.

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.