The 2009 Syrah Rodgers Creek Vineyard boasts stunning depth and richness. Black pepper, spices, cloves, plums and blackberries are all woven together in this voluptuous, intense wine. Today, the 2009 tastes like a cross between Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. It, too, is a striking wine if taken on its own terms. Syrah lovers are probably better off looking elsewhere. David Ramey told me in retrospect he may have picked a bit later than ideal. I suppose that is part of the learning process, as Ramey began making Syrah only in 2004. Subsequent vintages are more refined, but both 2009 Syrahs are brutes (beautiful brutes!), at least today. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029.