Ramey - Syrah Sonoma Coast 2021
Price: $62.99
Sale Price: $49.99
| Producer | Ramey |
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| Country | United States |
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| Region | California |
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| Varietal | Syrah |
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| Vintage | 2021 |
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| Sku | 02771 |
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| Size | 750ml |
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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!!!
Jeb Dunnuck: 95 Points
"One of the best wines from Ramey in this vintage, the 2021 Syrah Sonoma Coast offers outstanding aromatics of fresh black pepper, pure blackberries, gravelly earth, and fresh lavender. Medium to full-bodied, as it opens it shows a more mineral-toned profile, and it’s weightless on the palate, with ripe tannins and an elegant finish. I love this wine. Elegant all the way through, it’s a stunner without being flashy. It’s Drink 2024-2045."
James Suckling: 94 Points
Wine Advocate: 94 Points
"The 2021 Syrah Sonoma Coast was co-fermented with 9% Viognier and vinified with 25% whole clusters. It’s pure and expressive on the nose, its blackcurrant and blueberry fruit accented by wafts of cardamom, black olives, wild fennel, candied violets and charcuterie. The medium-bodied palate is rounded and bright with detailed flavors and a long, perfumed, layered finish.
Wine Spectator: 93 Points
"Brooding yet structured and polished, with expressive blueberry and blackberry flavors that are accented with cured meat and white pepper tones as this builds tension toward medium-grained tannins. Drink now through 2033."
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