Winemaker Notes
Ramey 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.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's 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.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2018 Ramey Claret is a stylish wine with plenty of richness on the palate. TASTING NOTES: This wine shines with aromas and flavors of bright red and black fruits and shading of oaky notes. Enjoy it with a savory pot roast. (Tasted: May 11, 2023, San Francisco, CA)
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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.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
Reaching up California's coastline and into its valleys north of San Francisco, the North Coast AVA includes six counties: Marin, Solano, Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino and Lake. While Napa and Sonoma enjoy most of the glory, the rest produce no shortage of quality wines in an intriguing and diverse range of styles.
Climbing up the state's rugged coastline, the chilly Marin County, just above the City and most of Sonoma County, as well as Mendocino County on the far north end of the North Coast successfully grow cool-climate varieties like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and in some spots, Riesling. Inland Lake County, on the other hand, is considerably warmer, and Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc produce some impressive wines with affordable price tags.