2009 Ramey Pedregal Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Ramey Wine Cellars is in Healdsburg, in California’s Sonoma County. It was founded in 1996 by David and Carla Ramey. David had spent two decades as a winemaker for such producers as Matanzas Creek, Chalk Hill, Dominus and Rudd before striking out on his own. Ramey sources grapes from Napa Valley, the Russian River Valley and the Sonoma coast. The estate makes Cabernet blends, Chardonnay and Syrah. Robert M. Parker Jr. has praised Ramey’s wines, writing that “David Ramey is one of the few California winemakers who thinks in terms of structure, not just flavor…All the wines I tasted at Ramey’s cellar just outside Healdsburg were terrific.”

Oakville AVA is one of the two or three most prestigious appellations in the United States. Located in the heart of Napa Valley, its 5,000 vineyard acres produce some of the world’s most acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon, including such California “cult” Cabs as Screaming Eagle and Harlan Estate. Before those boutique producers rose to fame in the 1990s, Oakville was already renowned as home to Robert Mondavi, Opus One and Groth Vineyards, among others. Along with the famous wineries, there are premier vineyards in this AVA, including Martha’s Vineyard and To Kalon Vineyard. To Kalon was first planted in 1868 by H.W. Crabb, one of California’s first viticultural researchers, and he named the vineyard after the ancient Greek phrase for “most beautiful.” Though many grapes can be successfully grown in Oakville, Cabernet Sauvignon is king. Merlot and Chardonnay are also frequently planted. Oakville Cabs are prized for their richness, complexity and weight. Oakville was designated as an AVA in 1993.