Ramey Wine Cellars "Annum" Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Ramey Wine Cellars is deeply involved in research that advances winemaking techniques, particularly around fermentation and wine aging processes. David Ramey’s early groundbreaking work helped shape modern California Chardonnay with innovations such as the use of indigenous yeasts, sur lies aging, and malolactic fermentation. His 1979 thesis at UC Davis on volatile ester hydrolysis continues to influence how winemakers understand the evolution of aromas in wine over time. This research into how esters develop during fermentation has made a significant impact on improving the complexity and quality of wines.

Additionally, Ramey Wine Cellars has explored how factors like skin contact temperature during fermentation affect wine composition, particularly with Chardonnay. This study revealed how temperature variations can alter the flavor profile and texture of the wine. Their philosophy emphasizes low-intervention winemaking, allowing natural processes to guide the wine’s development, a practice rooted in David Ramey’s commitment to creating authentic, expressive wines that reflect their terroir​

96 - Jeb Dunnuck
The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Annum is a youthful red color and takes things to the next level, with well-layered notes of pencil shavings, cassis, lavender, and sweet tobacco. This one is all about the aromatics, but it’s full-bodied, plush, and weightless, floating on the palate with a completely approachable feel that’s hard to resist now.

93 points - James Suckling
A rounded, resolved character helps this full-bodied but well-polished wine be drinkable now. It goes deep in black cherries, blueberries and savory hints of bay leaves and black olives, with smooth, moderate tannins.

93 points - Wine Advocate
Blended with 12% Petit Verdot, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Annum has pure, detailed aromas of blackcurrant, blueberry, mint chocolate and pencil shavings. The full-bodied palate pairs transparent, understated flavors with polished tannins and bright acidity, and it has a long, perfumed finish.

92 points - Vinous
The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Annum is bright and nicely focused. Red cherry/plum fruit, spice, mocha, cedar and new leather lend notable vibrancy to this mid-weight Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2019 is a blend of fruit from Oakville and Oak Knoll, with the vibrancy of Oak Knoll lending freshness and verve, but also closing the wine down for the time being. (January 2024)

92 points - Wine Spectator
A focused version, offering a mix of gently mulled loganberry, blackberry and black cherry fruit scored with worn cedar and sweet tobacco, plus a hint of loam. Shows a slightly taut feel through the finish, giving this an echo of old school. Best from 2025 through 2037. 588 cases made.

Ramey - Healdsburg Tasting Room
The first time I met David Ramey and his son Alan was in March of 2020 - on the eve of the shutdown. My friend, fellow sommelier, and owner of Flights Wine Bar in Bend, Oregon, Kelsey Daniels, and I went to an industry luncheon hosted by Ramey Wine Cellars. I like to think of it as David Ramey unplugged - here you had an industry veteran and revered winemaker sitting down shooting the breeze in his brusque but charming honesty. Alan, himself was gracious and attentive, taking the time to learn about each account that attended the luncheon. Flashforward to June 2021, Kelsey and I were on an industry wine trip and made on of our stops Ramey Wine Cellars in Healdsburg where we met up with Alan again and chatted wine, visited the bottling line, and visited the “cellar” part of Ramey Wine Cellars, peeping at bottles with peeling labels dating back to 2001. Should you decide to visit the charming town of Healdsburg, visiting the legendary Ramey Wine Cellars will not disappoint, the tastings are intimate and your host will be one of their integral team members that can provide some true insight into the inner workings of Ramey Wine Cellars.

The 2019 vintage comprises of sites within different appellations: Oakville 60% and Oak Knoll 40%

Oakville:
Nestled within the heart of Napa Valley, the Oakville AVA stands as a beacon of prestige and distinction among winegrowing regions. Bordered by the Vaca Mountains to the east and the Mayacamas Mountains to the west, this two-mile-wide swath of land rises gracefully to elevations ranging from 130 to 1000 feet, creating an ideal microclimate for grape cultivation. Renowned for its warm yet temperate climate, Oakville experiences the perfect balance of heat from the northern reaches and cooling influences from the nearby San Francisco Bay. This unique interplay of weather patterns results in wines of exceptional finesse and energy, characterized by ripe fruit flavors and remarkable acidity.

The soils of Oakville are as diverse as they are complex, reflecting the region's rich geological history. From rust-red, iron-rich soils on the eastern hillsides to gravelly alluvial loams on the western slopes, each terroir imparts its own distinctive characteristics to the wines produced here. The western edge of Oakville boasts famous gravelly fans, including the legendary To Kalon vineyard, while the eastern side is dominated by volcanic strata from the Vaca Mountains. This diverse tapestry of soils, combined with Oakville's favorable climate, creates an environment that is uniquely suited to the cultivation of world-class Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. With a legacy dating back to 1993 when it was officially recognized as an AVA, Oakville continues to captivate wine enthusiasts with its unparalleled terroir and the dedication of its meticulous growers and visionary winemakers.

Oak Knoll:
The Oak Knoll District AVA, nestled in the southern end of central Napa Valley, boasts a reputation for its cooler climate and extended growing season. This region's diverse soils, ranging from rich fluvial soils in the center to gravelly terrain in the west, contribute to the fruity and charming character of its wines. With elevations from sea level to 800 feet, Oak Knoll enjoys a temperate climate moderated by daily fog and afternoon breezes, perfect for cultivating varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc. Since the mid-1800s, Oak Knoll has played a pivotal role in Napa Valley's viticultural history, evolving into a premier appellation recognized for producing elegant and understated wines.