Ramey has discovered a fabulous source in the Oakville Corridor, and the sensational 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Pedregal Vineyard (sadly, only 310 cases produced) is a blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Petit Verdot. Inky purple to the rim, with sweet creme de cassis, roasted meat, and blackberry fruit notes, juicy succulence on the attack, full-bodied power, plenty of glycerin, sensational purity, and a hint of bouquet garni, this is an enormously endowed Cabernet Sauvignon that builds incrementally on the palate, finishing with a blast of power and sweet tannin. Give it 4-5 years of cellaring, and drink it over the following 25+ years.

Glass-staining purple. A complex, exotically perfumed bouquet displays cassis and boysenberry compote, Cuban tobacco, potpourri and notes of singed orange and apricot pit; reminds me of a great vintage of Mouton-Rothschild. Fleshy and sweet, with palate-staining red and dark berry liqueur flavors, velvety texture and fully absorbed tannins. Awfully compelling wine, with superb finishing clarity, lift and sappy cling. I'd have no problem drinking this right now, but have no doubt that it is built for the long haul.

94 Wine Spectator

A broad, expansive range of flavors are evident from the start, beginning with black olive, currant, plum and savory herb notes, touched by a pretty kiss of spicy, toasty oak. Gains and ends with a long, alluring finish.—2006 California Cabernet blind retrospective