2008 Ramey, Pedregal Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon

Inky purple. Highly perfumed aromas of blackcurrant, cherry-cola, cracked pepper, roasted coffee and rose oil. Then suave and expansive in the mouth, with an alluring sweetness to the complex flavors of dark berry preserves, candied licorice and tobacco. This rich but energetic cabernet really stains the palate but shows no excess weight. Finishes sweet and extremely long, with resonating floral and cherry notes.
(Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar May/June 2011 )

Our fifth vintage from this small, outstanding vineyard on the lower slopes of the eastern Oakville hills. “Pedregal” means a rocky place in Spanish, and that is certainly a distinguishing feature of the site. During 2008 we agreed to a long-term lease of this vineyard which gives us complete control even through any change in ownership, so this is the first vintage we’ve directed farming ourselves (we converted to organic). Aging the 2008 on its fine lees has coated the tannins and smoothly integrated the wood, and we left this vintage 26 months in completely new barrels—yet it’s hard to find the oak.
(David Ramey, Winemaker)

Not surprisingly, the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Pedregal has also improved after a year in barrels. A wine of undeniable richness and intensity, this blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon and 16% Petit Verdot exhibits notes of graphite, blackberries, black currants, scorched earth/burning embers, white chocolate and cedar. It tastes like a hypothetical blend of a Bordeaux Pauillac and Graves, but with the intensity and opulent fruit of Napa Valley well-displayed. It should be more approachable than the 2007 when it is released, yet last just as long, 20-30+ years.
(Robert M. Parker Jr.'s The Wine Advocate, December 2010)