Ramey - Syrah Sonoma Coast 2017
Price: $57.99
Sale Price: $45.99
Producer | Ramey |
Country | United States |
Region | California |
Varietal | Syrah |
Vintage | 2017 |
Sku | 02771 |
Size | 750ml |
While David Ramey is more well-known for his work with Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, his Syrah is actually what takes up the most space in my cellar. What I find particularly compelling is how he manages to capture the style and elegance of Northern Rhone, all the while absorbing the complete ripeness that comes from California. Basically, he fashions wines that taste like top-flight Hermitage or Cornas from a top-flight vintage – at a fraction of the price.
Like a Cote-Rotie, Ramey co-ferments his Syrah with 5% Viognier. The addition of this aromatic white grape adds a floral perfume to the wine, increasing the already seductive powers of the wine to a ridiculous level! A third of the wine is aged in new oak, while the remainder sees only used oak. So there is a touch of spice and vanilla, but only as an added element. The star of the show is the Syrah. Grown on the cooler, western slopes of Sonoma Mountain, the Rodgers Creek Vineyard was planted to Ramey’s specifications to take advantage of the cool Pacific winds blowing through the famed Petaluma Gap. This is combined with grapes from the Cole Creek Vineyard in the warmer Russian River Valley.
The result is an incredibly aromatic Syrah, offering up aromas of wild flowers and herbs, couple with cracked black pepper and blackberries. These same characteristics carry over into the flavors, where the savory side of Syrah is celebrated. Make no mistake, there is plenty of dark, ripe, black fruit. But there is a balance and elegance to this wine that is unique and distinctive. And delicious!!!
Wine Advocate: 93 Points
"The 2017 Syrah Sonoma Coast is blended with 11% Viognier and comes from Cole Creek and Rodgers Creek vineyards this year. Medium to deep ruby, the aromatics of warm blackberries and blueberries are complemented with lovely notes of pepper, blue flowers, bacon fat, garrigue and mint. It has a medium weight and floods the mouth with concentrated red and blue berry fruits, finely grained and with just enough freshness to lift the finish."
Jeb Dunnuck: 92 Points
"The 2017 Syrah Sonoma Coast has a medium purple/ruby hue as well as classic Syrah gaminess and pepperiness. With lots of blackberry fruit, some ground herb, bacon fat, and olive notes as well as medium to full-bodied richness on the palate, it's already drinking nicely and has a supple, approachable style. I would drink bottles over the coming 7-8 years or so."
Wine Spectator: 92 Points
"Nicely structured and tightly focused, this red offers refined currant, smoked meat and crushed stone accents that pick up tension toward medium-grained tannins. Best from 2022 through 2030."
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