There are nearly 1,200 cases of the 2010 Claret, a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Syrah and 2% Petit Verdot. It offers a big, fragrant bouquet of creme de cassis, lead pencil shavings and black currants, silky flavors, medium to full body, and a plush, round, generous style. Drink it over the next 7-8 years.

Bright purple. Fresh, cloveaccented red berry and cherry aromas show an energetic, sharply focused personality. Youthful, deep redcurrant and cherryvanilla flavors pick up sweetness with air. Quite open, with no rough edges. Finishes with good breadth and length, leaving a subtle smoky note behind.

The 2010 Claret is an excellent introduction to the vintage. Sweet floral aromatics meld into nuanced dark fruit in this vibrant, chiseled wine. Although the 2010 will be approachable in a few years, it also has more than enough fruit and pure structure to continue to develop nicely for a number of years. There is a centeredness and pure poise to the 2010 that is compelling. This is a gorgeous entry-level offering from David Ramey. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024.

 

(made from 90% cabernet sauvignon, 8% syrah and 2% petit verdot; the fruit was sourced from nine different vineyards): Opaque ruby. Youthful and very primary right now (it was bottled just a few weeks before my visit), offering intense aromas and flavors of dark berries and cherry pit. Refreshingly bitter and well-focused, finishing with strong cut and very good persistence.

The 2010 Claret comes across as quite floral, soft and surprisingly understated for the vintage. Floral notes add brightness on the finish in this gracious, approachable wine. The 2010 is 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Syrah, and 2% Petit Verdot. Drink: 2015-2022.