The 2012 vintage in Napa is going down with some of the other great age worthy vintages, such as 2001 and 2007, but can be enjoyed right away as well. So I was happy to have the opportunity to try this classic vintage with the 2012 Ramey Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, which coincidentally can trace its beginnings back to Petrus, another age worthy wine.
Ramey was founded in 1996 by David Ramey and his wife Carla. However, before there was Ramey Cellars, David worked for a short while for the Moueix family at the legendary Chateau Petrus, where he brought what he learned there in winemaking back to California. David has helped establish such vineyards as Matanzas Creek, Chalk Hill, and Dominus Estate (which is owned By Christian Moueix of Petrus), before starting his own winery in 1996. David Ramey is known as one of the great California winemakers. Robert Parker has said that “David Ramey has long had one of the most impressive resumes for any California winemaker.”
So I opened this wine and right out of the bottle, this wine exploded out of the glass with dark fruit and spice. With just a little bit of air, this wine showed amazing fruit, but had enough structure to be able to age for a long time. Very silky and elegant. Went well with a variety of different foods.
“The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa is composed of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot and the rest Malbec and Petit Verdot. It reveals deeper, richer cassis fruit than the 2011 or 2010, a sweet, velvety mouthfeel, and a medium to full-bodied texture. Drink it over the next 10-12 years...” - Robert Parker
“One of the great values in Napa Valley, David Ramey's 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon is fabulous. The flavors are bold, intense and creamy, with silky tannins, voluptuous energy and tons of pure balance. The 2012 is delicious today, but also has enough depth to drink well for another decade-plus.”- Antonio Galloni Vinous Media
At $54.95, you can experience an amazing Caberent from one of the greatest California winemakers. Perfect to enjoy this fall. I highly recommend this gorgeous wine!