2003 Ramey Cabernet Sauvignon Diamond Mountain District

The 2003 Diamond Mountain (2,300 cases of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Petit Verdot) comes from an 11-acre gravel/clay vineyard on Diamond Mountain. Dense and full-bodied with huge, concentrated, smoky black currant fruit intermixed with deep, chewy, coffee notes as well as black fruits, it reveals a Bordeaux-like austerity that suggests cellaring for 2-3 years will be beneficial. It can be drunk over the following 15. Ramey kindly did a vertical of his two single-vineyard Chardonnays from the Hyde and Hudson Vineyards, and it was interesting that the Hudson aged quickly and was beginning to fade after 2-3 years, but the Hyde wines, even the oldest one, the 1996, were fresh and superb. David Ramey also has a successful consulting business. His list of clients includes the likes of Benziger, Saracina, Dierburg, Niebaum-Coppola, Lancaster, Audellsa, Landmark, Snowden, Rodney Strong, and Manoogian. Tel. (707) 833-2535; Fax (707) 833-5620

(a blend of 59% cabernet sauvignon, 26% merlot, 9% cabernet franc and 6% petit verdot) Full ruby. Brooding aromas of black fruits, licorice, violet and lead pencil. Dry and broad, with a distinctly chocolatey ripeness. Currently shows less flavor interest than the finished 2002, but this is quite unevolved. Finishes with a boatload of tannins.

The 2003 Diamond Mountain District Young Vines boasts loads of fruit, a supple texture, and a similar character, but it is neither as weighty nor muscular as the 2001, or as rich and concentrated as the 2002. It should drink well for 10-15 years. (Price not yet determined) Fax (707) 823-5620