The 2005 Syrah Rodgers Creek Vineyard is now fully mature. There is plenty of fruit and richness, but the aromatics are starting to fade, so the 2005 is best enjoyed sooner rather than later. Still, all things considered, the 2005 Rodgers Creek has held up quite well.

The 2005 Syrah Rodger's Creek Vineyard boasts a black/purple color as well as abundant notes of crushed pepper, incense, Chinese black tea, plums, tapenade, and blackberries. It reminds me of a 2003 Clape Cornas from the Rhone Valley. Huge, tannic, and promising, it will drink well for 8-12 years.

Deep ruby. Intensely aromatic nose offers potent cassis, blackberry, licorice and floral notes. Sexy and impressively pure, with bright red and dark berry flavors underscored by zesty mineral and pepper notes. There's more than a suggestion of the Northern Rhone here. Shows great energy and punch on the finish, which boasts outstanding persistence and a very sexy combination of fruits and spices. Ramey says that this is a particularly cool site.

The opaque ruby 2005 Rodgers Creek offers scents and flavors of blackberry liqueur fruit with herbs and black pepper. It is smooth and soft on the attack revealing lush dense fruit, well proportioned ripe tannins and a long finish.