July 17, 2023 - interesting nose with menthol and violets; young fruit, albeit with some complexity
January 10, 2023 - Classic expression of CA Syrah, and very well made. Doesn’t do anything totally extraordinary to stand out, but if you want a nice riper new world Syrah, this ticks the box and is a pretty decent value to boot. No complaints here, and I’d happily buy again.
October 4, 2022 - Unremarkable
September 14, 2022 - Dark berry fruit, meat, olive tempenade and hint of menthol on the nose
Black cherries ,blueberry and white pepper on the palate
Tastes young and need of some aging
Good fruit with medium lon finish
September 8, 2022 - This is really young and either needs several years of cellar time or a really long decant. Extremely harsh upon opening and not pleasant. After about 90 minutes in the glass it smoothed out and became enjoyable. Dark fruits and a dusty minerality. Ok mouthfeel and finish. I will not open my other bottles for a couple of years. 85 on opening, 90 after an hour+. We gave this a 98 and I see absolutely nothing that would indicate this will ever come even remotely close to that score. I think I was actually generous in giving it a 90.
August 20, 2022 - Ramey's 2018 Sonoma Coast Syrah was sourced from the Cole Creek (80%) and Rodgers Creek (20%) vineyards and is comprised of 92% Syrah and 8% Viognier (co-fermented). This particular bottle was decanted through a Vinturi aerator and serially sampled over the ensuing three hours. Opaque ruby in color, it delivers aromas and flavors of black raspberries, boysenberries, smoked meat, jasmine, bacon and black olive tapenade. Full-bodied, low-to-medium in acidity, seamlessly alcoholic (14.5%) and with plentiful velvety tannins, it is impressively plump and layered on the mid-palate. Despite being aged for 18 months in 55% new oak barriques, the wood adds dimension without being overbearing. Lengthy on the back end, this is an outstanding New World Syrah that adds a nice floral component from the Viognier. While it is riper than anything that would emanate from Côte-Rôtie, it definitely has its own charms. This was best after the first hour in decanter. Drink now-2033.
August 16, 2022 - Very big, a little overwhelming
July 12, 2022 - 88-89. Underwhelming for Ramey at $40 retail, even if Syrah is not his forte.
July 10, 2022 - Deep garnet color with light edges. Aromas of smoked plum & blackberry, with cracked mixed peppercorns, tapenade, fresh rosemary and mesquite smoke. Red plum & black cherry fruit on the palate, with richly textured secondary depth of fresh red florals, chapparal earth, florals, peppercorn and subtle cedar. Medium-bodied to full through the middle palate, refined and silky, with fresh acidity and round-fine tannins. Succulent, savory depth on the finish, moderately long length.