Ramey Syrah 2021
(Sonoma Coast, California) - [JD 95] [WA 94] [WS 93] [VM 92]

About the Winery:
David Ramey is unquestionably one of the most renowned winemakers in California. He has made wines and consulted for some of the top names in Napa Valley and France, including Chateau Pétrus (the world's most expensive Bordeaux), Chalk Hill, Matanzas Creek, Dominus Estate, and Rudd. Together with his wife Carla, he founded his namesake winery in 1996. The second generation, Claire and Alan Ramey, began working at the winery in 2013 and have been cross-trained in all aspects of winery operations. In 2021, Claire and Alan became co-presidents of Ramey Wine Cellars. 

Winemaker Notes:
“Our Syrahs are grown in the cool climate of the Sonoma Coast which offers a style reminiscent of the Northern Rhone regions of Hermitage and Cornas:  aromas and flavors of smoked meat, white pepper, green olive and grapefruit, coupled with a silky texture and savory flavor.” - David Ramey

Vintage Notes: 
86% Rodgers Creek Vineyard and 14% Cole Creek Vineyard 

91% Syrah and 9% Viognier, co-fermented

Fermented in tank as 75% destemmed fruit with 25% whole clusters. Spontaneous, native-yeast and malolactic fermentations

After aging sur lies for 18 months in 50% new French barrels from François Frères and Taransaud, the Syrah was bottled without filtration in June 2023. 

Ratings & Reviews

95 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"One of the best wines from Ramey in this vintage, the 2021 Syrah Sonoma Coast offers outstanding aromatics of fresh black pepper, pure blackberries, gravelly earth, and fresh lavender. Medium to full-bodied, as it opens it shows a more mineral-toned profile, and it’s weightless on the palate, with ripe tannins and an elegant finish. I love this wine. Elegant all the way through, it’s a stunner without being flashy. It’s Drink 2024-2045." – Audrey Frick (Jun 2024)

94 Points - Wine Advocate:
"The 2021 Syrah Sonoma Coast was co-fermented with 9% Viognier and vinified with 25% whole clusters. It’s pure and expressive on the nose, its blackcurrant and blueberry fruit accented by wafts of cardamom, black olives, wild fennel, candied violets and charcuterie. The medium-bodied palate is rounded and bright with detailed flavors and a long, perfumed, layered finish. It will reward cellaring. 616 cases produced." – Erin Brooks (Oct 2024)

93 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Brooding yet structured and polished, with expressive blueberry and blackberry flavors that are accented with cured meat and white pepper tones as this builds tension toward medium-grained tannins. Drink now through 2033. 616 cases made." – Tim Fish (Oct 2024)

92 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2021 Syrah (Sonoma Coast) is terrific. It offers generous dark blue/purplish fruit, mint, lavender and a touch of whole-cluster savoriness from the 25% stems. I would prefer to drink this fruit-forward, boisterous Syrah over the next few years while the flavors remain vibrant. The 2021 spent 18 months in barrel." – Antonio Galloni (Jan 2024)