The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Pedregal Vineyard seems to have handled the challenges of the vintage brilliantly. All of the vineyard signatures come through beautifully. Incense, smoke, tobacco, wild flowers and black fruit meld together in an effortless, gracious Cabernet Sauvignon. Once again, David Ramey used a fairly high amount of Petit Verdot (24%) in the blend.

Earthy, ferrous stone aromas mixed with tight ripe blackcurrant fruits, followed by a mocha, cedar and smoke hint on the palate, plus bright acidity and firm tannins. The estate’s founder and winemaker, David Ramey, previously worked at Dominus for the Moueix family as well as Rudd and Chalk Hill.

Marked by a dose of charry, smoky oak, this offers dense flavors of dark berry, currant, black licorice and dried herb. Ends with gutsy tannins and a persistent finish. Needs cellaring. Best from 2015 through 2024. 364 cases made.