2007 Syrah Rodger Creek
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The 2007 Syrah Rodgers Creek Vineyard comes across as very young. Just beginning to show the early signs of aromatic maturity, the 2007 has enough fruit density and overall depth to drink well for at least another handful of years. This is a riper and more extracted, oak-driven style than Ramey favors today. Even so, the 2007 has held up nicely.
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Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
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Although they are difficult to sell, two wines not to be underestimated are Ramey’s Syrahs. Even better is the compelling 2007 Syrah Rodger’s Creek Vineyard. Absolutely sensational, it offers notes of bacon fat intermixed with roast beef, spice box, pepper, coffee, blackberry and camphor. Full-bodied, fleshy, dense and well-endowed, this is a beauty to enjoy over the next decade or more. Owner/winemaker David Ramey produces two levels of Chardonnay – his generic appellation cuvees and his single vineyard offerings from three top sites, the Hudson, Hyde and Ritchie vineyards. Tel. (707) 433-0870; Fax (707) 433-0871
Very refined and classy, the 2007 Ramey Syrah Rodger's Creek Vineyard, fermented with a touch of Viognier and a 25% whole cluster, delivers stunning aromatics of cassis and raspberry fruits, smoked bacon, violets, and a touch of tapenade. A dead ringer for a top northern Rhone Syrah, it’s medium to full bodied on the palate with awesome focus and energy, ripe, edgy fruit, beautiful acidity, and a structured, long finish. Superb and this should age beautifully. Give bottles another 3 to 5 years and then drink over the following 15 years.
Glass-staining ruby. Dark berries and cherry-cola on the nose, with subtle smoke, vanilla, olive and licorice notes adding complexity. Fleshy and gently sweet, with deep, expansive blackberry and cassis flavors, slow-building tannins and very good back-end lift. The finish emphatically repeats the dark berry notes and lingers with lively, spicy persistence. Drinking very well right now, in a youthfully exuberant fashion, but clearly built to age. This was raised in 100% new oak but I don't sense it.