Cellar Selection

Ramey Syrah 2010 Sonoma Coast

Ramey Wine Cellars crafts outstanding quality wines that are both delicate and magnificent and comes from some of the finest Sonoma vineyards.  Ramey selects vineyards for their ability to continue producing the highest quality fruit.  The soil, climate and terrain must be in alignment for the varietal to produce a premium quality product and gives the wine its individual appeal.  David and his wife Carla founded Ramey Wine Cellars in 1996 after spending time at Matanzas Creek, Chalk Hill, Dominus and Rudd.  Ramey Wine Cellars is located in Healdsburg, in the heart of the California wine country.  Ramey’s varietals are basically Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Syrah.  Although this posting will only comment about their Syrah, I soon hope to try other Ramey varietals and provide my comments, can’t wait.

The Ramey 2010 Sonoma Coast Syrah is their fourth vintage of this appellation-level.  It is a blend of 78% from Shanel Vineyard, 16% from Cole Creek Vineyard and 6% from Rodgers Creek Vineyard.  Shanel being on the eastern and warmer side of Sonoma Mountain, just at the limit of the Sonoma Coast appellation, provides a richer, fruitier expression of Syrah, while the Rodgers Creek contributes the cool-climate and savory character that defines Syrah.  After being co-fermented with 5% Viognier, the Syrah spent 30 months on new French oak barrels.  Now, getting to a glass of wine, the color is a rich glossy deep dark ruby red.  The aromas of powerful dark fruit, hints of pepper and sweet spice come through on the nose.  A balanced, full body taste with blueberries and blackberries that delicately bounce on the palate, softly finishing with light oak, slight spice and adequate length of aftertaste.  I believe less than 900 cases were produced and this Syrah should continue to develop for several years.  I plan on acquiring a few more bottles to set down and comment at some future point.  With the small amount of production, don’t wait long to grab a bottle around $40.

Cheers!