Ramey Claret North Coast Red Blend 2018 94pts

94 Points Wine Advocate
Deep ruby-purple, the 2018 Claret is a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 9% Syrah and 2% Petit Verdot. It features blackcurrant aromas with accents of peppercorn, bacon, cedar, thyme and lavender. Full-bodied, its powerful, concentrated fruits are supported by finely grained tannins, and it has a long, still youthfully coiled finish. It will continue to unfold for several more years in bottle.

91 Points Jeb Dunnuck
The 2018 Claret is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 9% Syrah, and the rest Petit Verdot. It is fresh with aromas of graphitic earth and red plum, and the palate reveals fine tannins and the juicy, youthful appeal of red apple and crushed roses. This is ready and inviting to drink now or over the next 3-6 years.

Wine Notes
It features blackcurrant aromas with accents of peppercorn, bacon, cedar, thyme and lavender. Full-bodied, its powerful, concentrated fruits are supported by finely grained tannins, and it has a long, still youthfully coiled finish. It will continue to unfold for several more years in bottle.

North Coast: 28% Alexander Valley, 22% Mount Veeder, 20% Sonoma County, 10% Oakville, 9% Russian River Valley, 8% Oak Knoll, and 3% Napa Valley

55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 9% Syrah, and 2% Petit Verdot

Our Claret follows the Bordelaise model of blending different Bordeaux varietals. Malolactic fermentation is completed in barrel, and the blend is assembled early so it is “elevated” as the finished wine.

Aging The 2018 Claret rested on its lees eighteen months in 20% new French & American oak barrels with monthly bâtonnage to coat the tannins, producing a luscious, cushioned mouthfeel. This wine was lightly fined with egg whites and bottled without filtration in June 2020