Aging gracefully and reminding me a top Saint Joseph from the likes of Gonon, the 2011 Syrah Sonoma Coast offers a medium-bodied, ripe, layered profile. Blackberries, peppery herbs, graphite, and smoked earth as well as an almost granite-like minerality all emerge from the glass, and it can safely be consumed anytime over the coming decade as well.

Ramey has always done a terrific job with Syrah and the late-released 2011 Syrah from the Sonoma Coast was co-fermented with 5% Viognier. Notes of bacon fat, tapenade and cassis are present in this rich, evolved, fleshy Syrah that is reminiscent of an outstanding Crozes-Hermitage from the Northern Rhône Valley. Enjoy it over the next 5-7 years.

A stylish, full bodied, well balanced Syrah with distinctive character (cassis, cherry, red licorice) and layers of oak complexity (toast, tobacco, cedar). It is well balanced and persistent on the finish. Excellent value.

Bright purple.  Dark berries, peppery spices and woodsmoke on the highly perfumed nose and in the mouth.  Shows very good clarity and energy, with tangy acidity adding lift and cut.  Elegant and gently tannic syrah, with zesty finishing cut and lingering smokiness.  There's pinot-like finesse here.

Dark ruby color; deliriously spicy; notes of macerated and slightly fleshy black currants, blackberries and raspberries, roughened by brambles and underbrush elements; robust, dynamic, powered by bright acidity, graphite minerality and sleek tannins; quite dry but flavorful, deft balance of spareness and rigor with generosity and expressiveness; finish packed with woody spices, granite and lavender. Perfect with pork chops coated with cumin, urfa pepper and chili powder. Now through 2017 or ’18. Excellent. Read more.