2007 Ramey Claret
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Tasting notes
The 2007 Claret, which is Ramey’s easiest to drink and appreciate wine, is a seductive blend of primarily Cabernet Sauvignon with some Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec included. Its dense ruby/purple hue is followed by a velvety textured, plush, round, generous wine with lots of texture and fruit. This high quality effort should be drunk over the next decade. David Ramey also produces Syrah and Chardonnay from the Sonoma Coast, Russian River and Carneros, which will be reviewed in the February, 2011 issue. Another look at his 2007 Napa offerings essentially confirm my comments of last year. I tasted through David Ramey’s 2009 barrel samples and they all displayed the friendly, charming, upfront fruit of this vintage. In many ways, they will be even more drinkable than the 2007s and 2008s upon release, but due to the style of the vintage, they do not have quite the power, punch or concentration of those two years. However, they are charming efforts and those who sometimes find California wines too rich may want to take a serious look at this vintage. Tel. (707) 433-0870; Fax (707) 433-0871
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(77% cabernet sauvignon, 15% syrah, and 2% each of merlot, petit verdot, cabernet franc and malbec) Deep ruby. Aromas of blackcurrant, cherry, herbs and tobacco, complicated by a subtle smoky quality. Sweet, smooth and fairly full on the palate, showing ripe red- and blackcurrant and bitter cherry flavors. Elegant in a Bordeaux style, with chewy tannins and good mineral lift. Finishes with a strong echo of red fruits and a suave floral note. This wine saw no new oak.
(77% cabernet sauvignon, 15% syrah and 2% each of malbec, merlot, cabernet franc and petit verdot) Inky ruby. Deep aromas of blackberry, cassis, smoky minerals and Indian spices. Vivid red and dark berry flavors are framed by supple tannins and gain sweetness and depth with air. The minerality dominates the finish, which is pure, focused and very long. An impressive showing for Ramey's "basic" red wine.