A rich, potent, tightly wound and focused effort, with tiers of mineral, currant, dried berry, sage, black licorice and toasty herb flavors. This unfolds slowly, opening gradually to more layers and dimensions. Best from 2013 through 2022.

The Pedregal bottling is very complex in style; a fleshy, well balanced wine with a very long finish, tasting of cassis, tobacco, spicy oak, blackberry, and black licorice. Aged 26 months in new oak.

Not surprisingly, the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Pedregal has also improved after a year in barrels. A wine of undeniable richness and intensity, this blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon and 16% Petit Verdot exhibits notes of graphite, blackberries, black currants, scorched earth/burning embers, white chocolate and cedar. It tastes like a hypothetical blend of a Bordeaux Pauillac and Graves, but with the intensity and opulent fruit of Napa Valley well-displayed. It should be more approachable than the 2007 when it is released, yet last just as long, 20-30+ years.

The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Pedregal Vineyard brings together all of the elements of the Ramey house style. A beautiful, well-articulate bouquet melds into layers of dark fruit. Clean, vibrant mineral notes give the wine its energy and vitality. This is a typical Oakville Cabernet loaded with class and pedigree. Exotic spiced notes wrap around the textured, multi-dimensional finish. This is a dazzling showing. The 2008 Pedregal is 84% Cabernet Sauvignon and 16% Petit Verdot aged for 24 months in 100% new French oak barrels. Drink: 2016-2028.

Inky purple. Highly perfumed aromas of blackcurrant, cherry-cola, cracked pepper, roasted coffee and rose oil. Then suave and expansive in the mouth, with an alluring sweetness to the complex flavors of dark berry preserves, candied licorice and tobacco. This rich but energetic cabernet really stains the palate but shows no excess weight. Finishes sweet and extremely long, with resonating floral and cherry notes.