On the heels of the Ramey Russian River Chardonnay offer last week (in stock and still $44.99), we wanted to bring your attention to another outstanding wine created by David Ramey, his magnificent Claret. Those of a certain age associate the word Claret with the English who conflated the word with ‘Bordeaux,’ as in ‘Ah, isn’t this a delightful little luncheon Claret, this Chateau Margaux?’ Indeed, it was this use of the word that inspired David as he went to create his own Old World-New World version of what others in California might call a Bordeaux Blend or, in even more recent times for a hot minute, a Meritage. The concept is simple. By using the attributes of each grape in the blend, create something better than the sum of its constituent parts. And David, a master of nuance, has been doing just that since his days making the iconic reds at Chalk Hill, Dominus and Rudd Estate. Not restricted to using solely the grapes of Bordeaux, his eponymous Claret is a masterpiece of nuance and polish! And, while others are selling us their 2022 or even 2023 blends, he allows his Claret to have the time to meld and integrate before he sells it. The 2019 is well-nigh in its perfect drinking window! The majority of the blend is good old school Cabernet Sauvignon augmented by peppery, tactile Syrah, a bit of Malbec for something dark and mysterious, and a soupcon of Petit Verdot, that lemon squeeze of bright acidity and vibrancy. It works perfectly as the wine offers up Margaux-like finesse, structure and polish in a distinctly California vein. We love the immediacy of the wine’s complex tobacco, camphor and snapped pencil aromatics and the great understated and carefully delineated cherry/dusky plum fruit. At almost six years past the harvest, it has grown into itself and offers up simply lovely drinking right now. I can imagine it with a duck confit, a perfectly done roast beef or a leg of lamb. And don’t forget to get some to cellar too! David’s wines may be more subtle and ‘culinary’ in their approach, but they definitely get better with age! This is a fantastic price for this kind of quality.

Jeb Dunnuck: The 2019 Claret North Coast Red Wine is a killer value, with great lift and freshness throughout. Made from 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah, and the rest Petit Verdot, and Malbec, the majority of the fruit was sourced from Jericho Canyon. Pouring a youthful purple/red, it is lifted with aromas of graphite, fresh black cherry, cedar, and pine needles. Full-bodied but lifted, it offers ripe tannins, fresh acidity, and notes of fresh red and black fruit, pressed flowers, and turned soil earthiness on the finish. It's drinking well now but is certainly worth cellaring over the next 10 or more years. It’s a great value. 94 points

Wine Advocate The 2019 Claret is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah, 9% Malbec, 8% Petit Verdot, 6% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc. It’s scented of Luxardo cherries and blueberries with detailed nuances of violet, tobacco leaves, pencil shavings and spice. The full-bodied palate is smooth and refreshing with ripe yet understated fruit and a long, elegant finish. It will be long lived in the cellar. 94+ points

Wine Enthusiast: Sophisticated spices and minerals in the aroma and layered, complex fruits, herbs and spices in the flavor give a lot to explore in this medium- to full-bodied wine. Moderate tannins and light acidity support the array of dark plums, tobacco, toast and vanilla. So tempting to drink now but best from 2026-2036. 94 points