Oak, roasted meat and tobacco on the nose. A dash of white pepper and savory spices here and there. Fleshy texture and assertive wild berry fruit reminiscent of a Brunello. Definitely on the young and masculine side. Sharply focused and intense. Probably gotten in a street brawl or two. Like a racecar driver, this is controlled fury. Leave the driving to the winemaker and enjoy the ride.

Both optimally ripened and youthfully tight with an attractive overlay of creamy oak to its ample, mildly peppery, blackberry fruit, Ramey’s Sonoma Coast bottling may be a bit backward at the moment but conveys a fine sense of stuffing and substance. Its early suppleness is countered by a fairly full dose of tannin, yet its fruit never falters or dries. Age is demanded rather than simply advised, and its recommendation is conditional on a good five years of patience.
 

Rich, with vivid dark berry, raspberry and crushed rock accents to the firm tannins. This captures the density of the grape yet remains light-footed, graceful and refined, ending with a clean, snappy finish. Drink now through 2023. 885 cases made. –JL

Co-fermented with 5% Viognier, as is typical in all of this producer’s Syrahs, this wine offers a wild, feral intensity on the nose of black pepper, cigar box and leather. From there, it softens with well-defined layers of blueberry and blackberry, the tannins settled and structured, the wine finishing in dusty oak. Editors’ Choice.

A big, powerful wine, the 2012 Syrah hits the palate with dark fruit, mocha, spices, new leather and cedar. The style is decidedly ample and textured, with layers of intense black fruit and plenty of Russian River generosity. This is one of the most powerful, ample Syrahs readers will come across. The 2012 isn't especially varietal, but it sure is delicious. David Ramey has crafted a Syrah with distinctly Napa Valley-like richness. The 25% whole clusters are pretty much buried by the sheer intensity of the fruit.