Ramey Wine Cellars Ramey Pedregal Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 750ml

This wine was co-fermented with 15% Petit Verdot from the same rocky, hillside site. The two varieties marry seamlessly in the glass, exuding a distinct perfume of forest mushroom and violet. Though pronounced in structure the wine is also soft and round, with a dotting of dried herb and a considerable length of clove and dust. It’s rich, intense and memorable.

The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Pedregal Vineyard has turned out beautifully. It is also much more accessible young than I expected, despite its considerable size. Bright red stone fruit and pomegranate notes are pushed forward. There is plenty of tannin, but it is nearly buried by the sheer intensity of the fruit. There is plenty of stuffing and potential here. (Antonio Galloni)

A blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Pedregal Vineyard has a deep garnet-purple color and nose of ripe black berries, crushed black currants, pencil lead and dried herbs with hints of dark chocolate and menthol. Medium to full-bodied with a great intensity and harmony, it has a solid backbone of firm grainy tannins and great length. Still very youthful and primary, give it another 2–3 years in bottle and drink it over the next 20+ years.

Fully mature already, with a burnished cedar note running along the edges of gently mulled plum and black currant fruit. The finish is laced with generous sweet tobacco and sandalwood. Blind 2013 California Cabernet retrospective (February 2023). Drink now through 2027. 615 cases made. (James Molesworth)