Ramian Pinot Noir

For years, we’ve trumpeted the merits of Napa-based winemaker Brian Graham, whose artfully crafted boutique selections have been lauded by critics around the world as pretty darn close to perfection. Graham landed a spot at the hallowed University of Bordeaux – quite an achievement for someone whose prior formal education was in Architecture – and fine-tuned his talent over several harvests at prestigious estates in Burgundy and Bordeaux. When he returned to California in 1997, he had just one goal in mind: he would combine the terroir-driven principles of Old World winemaking with California’s classic intensity and concentration.

Graham became well known as a consulting winemaker, working with premier estates all over northern California. At one point in the late 1990s one of his customers didn’t have cash on hand to pay, and so Graham agreed to accept some top-quality grapes in exchange for his services. This little twist of fate led to the creation of one of our all-time favorite wine brands: Ramian Estate.

The wines that Graham produced under this label have truly gone above and beyond, offering enough finesse, elegance, and complexity to put them on par with the very best in the world. And we’ll be the first to tell you that his 2013 Ramian Estate 3 Clone Selection Pinot Noir is a matchless wine for a number of reasons.

One – it’s a focused and beautifully resonant Old World Pinot with rhubarb, sour cherry, and pomegranate notes on the palate, exquisite floral and savory undertones, and shocking aromatic complexity.

Two – the fruit comes from the esteemed Sonoma Coast, which is arguably one of the most consistent, top-tier region for Pinot Noirs in the World.

Three – it’s crafted from the 3 different Pinot Noir clones: the 115 clone that adds structure and layers of sophistication; the 777 clone that is famed for its aromatics; and Pommard, known for the intense expression of fruit and spice that is at the heart of the bottle.

Sprinkle in some world-class winemaking and you’ve got yourself an exceptional wine that can flex up to the Big Burgundys, with a capital B.

Pinot lovers, this is the wine you’ve been waiting for!