Ramey Rodger's Creek Vineyard Syrah 2005

Situated at 800 feet on the southwest face of Sonoma Mountain, it faces Petaluma and the Pacific and thus is quite cool—consistently the last vineyard we harvest. This exaggerates the Syrah character of smoked meat, white pepper and green olive. While only five miles over the mountain from our Shanel vineyard as the crow flies, Rodgers Creek shows a much cooler-climate character and a more Pinot-like structure.

"The 2005 Syrah Rodger's Creek Vineyard boasts a black/purple color as well as abundant notes of crushed pepper, incense, Chinese black tea, plums, tapenade, and blackberries. It reminds me of a 2003 Clape Cornas from the Rhone Valley. Huge, tannic, and promising, it will drink well for 8-12 years.

One of Northern California's most successful winemakers/consultants, David Ramey's personal winery continues to go from strength to strength. Ramey has had the best of both worlds, working in Bordeaux for the Moueix family, and in California at Dominus, Chalk Hill, and Rudd Estate. Ramey has two hierarchies of Chardonnays, his generic appellations as well as his single vineyard cuvees."
Wine Advocate