Ramey Claret Napa Valley 2004

David Ramey calls this his entry-level Cabernet. Itandrsquo;s a blend of all five Bordeaux varieties, with a drop of Syrah, and has softness and immediate appeal. Complex and rich in dark stone fruit, berry, dark chocolate, coffee and spice flavors, itandrsquo;s drinking beautifully now.

A ripe, supple style, with high-toned cherry, blackberry and raspberry jam notes, hints of earth and cedar, and firm, smooth-textured tannins showing on the finish. Made from leftovers not used in Ramey's other two Cabernets. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Drink now through 2008.

The 2004 Claret is soft with more fruit, spice and ripeness. It should drink well for 4andndash;6 years. It is a blend of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, and the rest small percentages of Syrah, Petite Verdot, and Malbec.

Ramey's 2001 Claret, which is composed of declassified lots that would have gone into the Jericho Canyon or Diamond Mountain cuvees, is a tasty blend of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Cabernet Franc, and 17% Merlot (945 cases). Melted fudge intermixed with cedar, mocha, and jammy black fruit aromas jump from the glass of this seductive, lush, Pomerol-inspired offering. Round, generous, and easy to drink, this substantial red should be drunk over the next 7-10 years.

The 2004 Claret shows soft, seductive notes of black fruits intermixed with bay leaf, white chocolate, and sweet, subtle wood. It is soft, round, generous, and best drunk over the next 5andndash;8 years, although I suspect it will keep longer.

The 2004 Claret shows soft, seductive notes of black fruits intermixed with bay leaf, white chocolate, and sweet, subtle wood. It is soft, round, generous, and best drunk over the next 5–8 years, although I suspect it will keep longer.

The 2004 Claret is soft with more fruit, spice and ripeness. It should drink well for 4–6 years. It is a blend of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, and the rest small percentages of Syrah, Petite Verdot, and Malbec.