"The 2008 Syrah is a huge wine bursting with dark fruit, tar, licorice, black olive tapenade, savory herbs and smoke. Some of the wilder, rougher qualities of Syrah are present, but the wine nevertheless delivers tons of pleasure. Layers of fruit build towards the rich finish. Ramey co-fermented 6% Viognier with the Syrah and aged the wine for 24 months in French oak barrels, 60% new. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2023.
David Ramey is one of the few California winemakers who thinks in terms of structure, not just flavor, something that sets him apart from many of his peers. All of the wines I tasted at Ramey’s cellar just outside Healdsburg were terrific. I also sampled a number of older wines, all of which have held up very well. Best of all, most of the wines remain very fairly priced considering the quality of what is in the bottle. My visit ended with the 2001 Cabernet Jericho Canyon Road, which was stunning. At age 10 it remains an infant. I only wish I owned it. The next best thing is Ramey’s new Annum bottling from 2009 forward, the vintage in which the main vineyard source switched to Shartsis, a parcel in Rutherford close to Dana Estates’s Helms vineyard. The Pedregal, from a vineyard in Oakville, is perhaps even better, but it also costs twice as much. The appellation Chardonnays spend 12 months in oak, ranging from 20-25% new, while the vineyard designates spent 18 months in oak, with a higher percentage of new barrels." (WA)
"Inky ruby. Assertively perfumed aromas of blackberry, cola, potpourri and licorice, with an emphatic smokiness. Bright and spicy on the palate, with mineral-driven dark berry compote flavors showing impressive clarity and a sexy floral nuance. Lively acidity gives lift and cut to the long, spicy finish. This could only be syrah." (IWC)
"The 2008 Ramey Syrah Sonoma Coast is a text book Syrah (as well as a fantastic value) that delivers exciting notes of ripe blackberry and raspberry styled fruits, smoked game, loads of minerality, and lifting, complementing floral undertones on the nose. Medium to full-bodied, with a concentration, rich mid-palate, gorgeous purity and finesse, and a classically styled, structured finish, this fantastic Syrah opens up with air and presents a thrilling drinking experience. It should age effortlessly for 10-12 years, if not longer." (RR)
"3. 2008 Ramey, Sonoma Coast ($38) – Medium-dark ruby; attractive, intense, brambly, blackberry fruit aroma with hints of smoked meat and black pepper; full body; big, forward, rich, extracted, cedary, ripe blackberry fruit flavors with good depth and a slightly creamy mouthfeel; medium-full tannin; lingering aftertaste. Enjoyable to drink now with savory dishes and should continue to develop with several more years of bottle aging. Very highly recommended. 15% alcohol; 1,100 cases; blended with 5.5% Viognier; released Fall 2011. (Group Score: 16.3, 1/1/2; My Score: 17 [91/100], third place)" (CGV)
Winery Notes:
Our second vintage of this appellation-level Syrah, it’s a blend of roughly half Rodgers Creek and half from the Shanel Vineyard. Shanel being on the eastern, warmer side of Sonoma Mountain, just at the limit of the Sonoma Coast appellation, it provides a richer, fruitier expression of Syrah, while the Rodgers Creek contributes the cool-climate, savory character that to us defines Syrah.
Winemaking is the same for both vineyards, with the site providing the wine’s character. This blend combines for a smooth, supple elegant wine which will pair well with grilled sausages, duck breast, roast pork or chicken and any sort of lamb. Co-fermented with 5 ½% Viognier and with 25% whole Syrah clusters, the wine rested sur lies for 27 months in 58% new barrels. Fermentation and malo were both native and the wine was bottled without filtration. |
