Ramian Estate produces small quantities of quality wines under the labels Ramian Estate, J. Garrett and Parlay. Today we are indulging in a Cabernet Sauvignon blend “Parlay ~ 2009 The Bookmaker”

Parlay 2009 The Bookmaker

This is a big bold, in your face (in a good way) wine. Rowdy upon opening, it was sent to the decanter for a time-out. Of course, I can’t ignore a wine in during this evolutionary period; I had a few sips on its journey. After 2 hours in the decanter, the wine was ready to pour. There are licorice, boysenberry and dark cherry flavors; with the Petite Sirah not being a shy component of this blend. The finish is long and lush with dark fruit still present. Tannins present give this wine a bit of earth on the finish.

The wine calmed down a bit when paired with Goat cheese, stood up to the nuttiness of Manchego cheese, and hit the jackpot with a juicy steak for dinner. I enjoyed the versatility of this wine, a nice departure from a 100% Cab, the additional reds blended into a very unique and enjoyable wine. Petite Sirah lovers take note and embrace this wine, odds are you will love it!

Made from 72% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from vineyards in the Oak Knoll district in Napa Valley and the balance of 28% is a blend of: Syrah, Petite Sirah and Petit Verdot, from a mountaintop vineyard in El Dorado in the Sierra Foothills.  Because ‘place matters’ winemaker Brian Graham carefully chooses the vineyards to source the variety of grapes used in his wines. Brian’s formal wine training in France gave him the foundation to produce quality, unique wines for Ramian Estate.

Alcohol 14.5% Retail price $20

Many thanks Brian Graham, Ramian Estate and Balzac Communications & Marketing for providing the wine.