December 30, 2003
Raymond Vineyard
Cold winter days call for red wines
with full bodies and big flavors.
Cabernet Sauvignon fits the bill nicely
and Raymond's Reserve Cabernet
Sauvignon is one of my favorites. It's
one of the few Napa Cabernets that
represents a fair price and is widely
available.
Showing the typical dusty flavors of
Rutherford Cabernet, it is rich and full
in the mouth, with a smooth, long
finish. The bouquet is of ripe
blackberries and violets.
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Cabernet Franc and 4% Merlot. This wine can be enjoyed in the near-term or aged for 8-
12 years. I've been purchasing a 1/2 case of each vintage since 1996 and will start
drinking that vintage later this year. It can typically be purchased for $23 - $30, although
I found the '98 in Bermuda for jut $18.
In addition to the Cabernet, the Raymond Reserve line also includes a Chardonnay,
Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Zinfandel. These are consistently good wines from
lot-selected grapes priced between $11 and $18.
The basic Raymond Estate line of Cabernet, Merlot and Chardonnay are priced from $8
to $13.
At the high end of the market is the Raymond Generations line of Chardonnay and
Cabernet. The very best grapes are selected and these wines receive extended barrel
aging. The Cabernet runs about $55 with the Chardonnay priced at $22.
Raymond is located in St. Helena, just off the main drag running through the Napa
Valley. The tasting room is open year-round. The Raymond family has been making
wine for five generations and the quality and value of their wines is proof of that heritage.
Back to Wines of the Week.
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