2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Pedregal Vineyard
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Tasting notes
The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Pedregal Vineyard comes across as surprisingly soft, with far less of the explosive energy the wine had in barrel. Perhaps the wine is going through a closed or stubborn phase, but both bottles I tasted were not up to the high standard David Ramey has set here over the years. This is a perplexing showing.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
As usual, the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Pedregal Vineyard is a great wine (a 650-case blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Petit Verdot). This sexy, full-throttle, opaque purple-colored 2012 boasts fabulous concentration along with copious notes of pen ink, blueberries, blackberries, and hints of graphite and espresso bean. Deep, full-bodied and multidimensional, this sensational Cabernet should drink well for 20-25 years. When I was tasting with David Ramey, he opened a 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Pedregal Vineyard, which I also rated 96. A truly great offering, it was just coming into drinkability at the age of 10. I think the 2012 will ultimately be better and last even longer than the 2004.
(includes 12% petit verdot; 100% new oak): Glass-staining purple. Heady dark fruit liqueur, incense and mocha aromas are complicated by suggestions of candied flowers and woodsmoke. Spicy blackcurrant and blueberry flavors put on weight with air while retaining outstanding clarity, with a sexy floral accent gaining strength with air. Finishes on a licorice note, with superb thrust and smooth, slow-building tannins. (JR)
The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Pedregal Vineyard stands out for its restrained, gracious personality. Whereas as the other Ramey 2012 reds are quite intense and powerful, the Pedregal is all about textural polish. Today, the flavors really pop out of the glass. The 100% new oak is a bit prominent at this stage. Otherwise, this is a gorgeous Cabernet endowed with stunning balance and plenty of potential.