On 24th May 1976, a tasting in Paris put Californian wine firmly into the top-flight, quality arena. Claret was pitched against Cabernets from California, and White Burgundy against Chardonnays. Blind tasting. All the judges were French. Californians won both categories.
At the time, the Californians were charging about one-third of the price for equivalent Clarets and Burgundies. Not too surprisingly, that rapidly changed - if the French think our wines are better than theirs, then we should probably be charging the same - was the logic that followed. Not unreasonable, I feel.
From 1982, when Robert Parker, and rival publication Wine Spectator, were changing consumer’s perceptions of the ranking order of wines from around the world, it was not too surprising that these American reviewers had a slight penchant for the style of wine being produced in California.
If California was a country, then it would rank as the 4th largest wine producer in the worlds behind, Italy, France, and Spain. The quality of wine produced in this State ranges from very inexpensive everyday wines to super-premium, world-renowned wines at prices comparable to the top European properties in France, Italy, and Spain. Although nearly every state in the USA now produces wine, California accounts for around 90% of total production.
However, there is still a perception in the UK that Californian wines are expensive. I would somewhat disagree. From my perspective, the wines are of equal quality, but simply different in the style created. Therefore, I have no hesitation in suggesting that this outstanding Cabernet blend from California represents value-for-money alongside equivalent wines from the world famous Châteaux of Bordeaux, or Super-Tuscans from Bolgheri, who create wines using the classic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc.
Ramey was established in 1996 by husband and wife team, David and Carla Ramey, it is now operated by their children, Claire and Alan. The one defining factor in all the wines produced here is longevity. Famous for their Chardonnays that last and last, they also make Cabernet blends, Syrahs and Pinot Noirs. Berry’s have been their agents for at least the last decade, but this wine has somehow found itself onto the Majestic list. The 2019 Ramey Annum is not yet available from Berry’s, but will be later this year. I’ll send a prompt when it appears on their list.
I tasted this wine with Alan Ramey over dinner a couple of weeks ago. Then I bought a few bottles from Majestic to assess over a panel tasting in Hampshire to make sure that it did hit all the right notes. It did. Exceptionally well. This blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Petit Verdot is a striking example of a Californian winery performing at the top of its game. Selected grapes from vineyards in Oakville Oak Knoll is then aged for 24 months in new French oak barrels. It has finesse, elegance and total refinement. It is drinking surprisingly well now, but please just place it in your cellar, and do not consider pulling the first cork until 2032 onwards. 588 cases were made.
The nose contains intense flavours of blackcurrants with hints of blueberry. Oak is also a strong element here. The finish is unquestionably the most prominent element: it sits for a long time. It has finesse and delicacy but also immense depth and strength, but not in an overtly, punchy manner. A delicate and attractive balance.
£105.00 - Majestic - six mix
