2006 Ramey - Cabernet Sauvignon Pedregal Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon - USA - California - Napa - Oakville - Red

($150; includes 18% petit verdot) Glass-staining purple. A complex, exotically perfumed bouquet displays cassis and boysenberry compote, Cuban tobacco, potpourri and notes of singed orange and apricot pit; reminds me of a great vintage of Mouton-Rothschild. Fleshy and sweet, with palate-staining red and dark berry liqueur flavors, velvety texture and fully absorbed tannins. Awfully compelling wine, with superb finishing clarity, lift and sappy cling. I'd have no problem drinking this right now, but have no doubt that it is built for the long haul. (JR)

Ramey has discovered a fabulous source in the Oakville Corridor, and the sensational 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Pedregal Vineyard (sadly, only 310 cases produced) is a blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Petit Verdot. Inky purple to the rim, with sweet creme de cassis, roasted meat, and blackberry fruit notes, juicy succulence on the attack, full-bodied power, plenty of glycerin, sensational purity, and a hint of bouquet garni, this is an enormously endowed Cabernet Sauvignon that builds incrementally on the palate, finishing with a blast of power and sweet tannin.

A deep, rich, intense style, with a powerful display of dark fruit, black cherry, blackberry, currant, espresso and toasty oak. So young now it's still rambunctious. Tannic, but persistent on the finish, with layers of flavor. 310 cases made.

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