Raymond Vineyards Reviews

Flush with warmed cassis and plum reduction notes, this is inlaid with violet, cocoa, humus and singed alder accents. Generous in feel, with enough cut on the finish to match its heft. Best from 2025 through 2036. 16,000 cases made. - James Molesworth

Excellent depth, concentrated fruit flavors and a snug wrapping of tannins set this wine up nicely for further improvement with age. A vibrant texture and subtle oak spices in the flavor add to its appeal. Additions of Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec totaling 15% enhance complexity and structure. Best from 2026–2033. Editors’ Choice.

Raymond's 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon District Collection Stags Leap comes across as slightly candied, with a mix of red and black cherries dominating the nose. In the mouth, this medium to full-bodied wine is plump and silky, not overly concentrated and nicely textured on the finish.

A blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petit Verdot and 10% Merlot, the 2021 Red Room Privé offers up minty, cedary aromas, plus notes of baked cherries and dried spices. It's full-bodied and gently silky in texture, with the suggestion of dried fruit on the finish.

The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon District Collection Oakville does a fine job representing its AVA, with ripe cherries, loamy earth and dried spices all making appearances on the nose. In the mouth, the wine is medium to full-bodied, firmly built and moderately tannic but ripe, with a certain suppleness and savoriness to the finish.

Sourced from estate vineyards, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon District Collection Rutherford showcases scents of ripe cherries but folds in some darker elements, like dusty earth and cocoa. Full-bodied, tannic and firm, this wine shows plenty of concentration and ample length on the finish.

Raymond's 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon District Collection Howell Mountain features scents of crushed stone, pine resin, menthol and cherries on the nose, while being taut and tannic in the mouth. It's medium to full-bodied, turning silky on the finish.

This is the first Raymond wine Melka began consulting on, back in 2008. The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Generations delivers scents of black cherries, menthol, red cherries and softly dusty earth, all swirled together into a funnel of complexity. While full-bodied and silky, it's also dominated by bright fruit flavors, finishing long and mouthwatering.

The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon District Collection St. Helena has turned out exceptionally well, with slightly floral nuances atop ripe cherries; there's a lovely fruit expression. Full-bodied and lush, this is more texturally generous than the other District Collection bottlings, finishing long and velvety.

Aromas of blackberries, dark cherries, red licorice and nut shell. Textured and chalky with grainy tannins. Medium to full body. Dry and a little chewy at the end. Drink or hold.

Spiced dark berries, ripe plums, sweet spices, iodine and bark on the nose. Full-bodied, racy and dark-fruited with fine tannins and creamy texture. Long and warming finish. Try after 2025.