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.

Highlighted Reviews: 2008 Vintage

92 Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar May/June 11
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.

91+ Antonio Galloni, Robert Parker Jr.'s The Wine Advocate, February 2012
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. Drink: 2013-2023.

88-90 Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, February 2011, Issue 193
The 2008 Syrah Sonoma Coast reveals notions of roasted herbs, chocolate, red and black fruits and spice. It is not as complex or nuanced as the 2007, but it had not yet been bottled.

91 California Grapevine Vol. 38, March 2012
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.

93 The Rhone Report, Issue 10, December 2011
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.

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