The 2011 Sonoma Coast Syrah from Ramey is reminiscent of Northern Rhône Syrah from Côte Rôtie. It offers aromas of freshly crushed blackberry, plum, smoke, bacon, meat and violets, which all leap from the glass of this luscious Syrah. It boasts a lovely rich, velvety texture that demonstrates wonderful finesse and balance. The finish is long, silky and caressing, leaving behind wonderful smoky notes and dark berries. David Ramey Co-fermented the Syrah with 5% Viognier and included 25% whole Syrah clusters. The wine went through native yeast and malolactic fermentations, rested sur lies for 19 months in 36% new François barrels and was bottled without filtration in August, 2013. Due to the cooler vintage, the wine was left in barrel less than normal. (Best 2014-2024) Read more