Robert Parker, Jr.-The Wine Advocate:  Rated as An outstanding wine of exceptional complexity and character. "The 2007 Syrah Sonoma Coast, which is co-fermented with 5% Viognier, boasts huge aromatics of tapenade, bacon fat, pepper, black currants, and hints of lychee nuts and marmalade (no doubt from the Viognier). Inky/purple-colored, dense, full-bodied, and impressive, this is a top-flight Syrah that should drink beautifully for a decade (2010-2020)." Feb 2010

Wine Spectator:   Rated as Outstanding: a wine of superior character and style.  "Firm and intense, with a mix of smoked meat, dried berry, spice, mineral and sage notes. Full-bodied, complex and layered, ending with a rich berry pie and mineral aftertaste. Drink now through 2017. 1,750 cases made." Mar 2011

Winery:  "The 2007 Syrahs are aged on their lees, a la Pinot Noir. Blended with about 5% Viognier and 25% whole clusters, went directly from the fermenter to barrel for the malolactic, and were aged on their lees without racking. For the first time we bottled after the second harvest, so this wines spent 24 months in barrel. And of course, was bottled without filtration."

Wired For Wine:  Belly up to this fantastic Ramey Cellars Sonoma Coast Syrah and you won't want to go home...  Made in the Northern Rhone style, with a bit of Viognier to bring in some extra magic, your first glasses of this stunning Syrah will silence the room as you try it with tiny sliders draped in smoked cheddar and thick-sliced bacon.  Grind a little chorizo into those sliders and your taste buds will send a hand-written thank you note...  As for the entree, the full body, intense depth, smokey meatiness, spice and deep, inky fruit of this lovingly crafted Ramey red will pair beautifully with lamb, beef, venison, barbecue and more.  For a casual comfort meal like lasagna with sausage bolognaise and mushrooms, the earthy side of this wine is a natural.  If you've got a hankering for ribs, all you have to do is decide if you prefer the brown sugar and bourbon glaze, or the orange-soy variety.  Either one will bring out the spice and fruit packed into this vivacious Californian.  If you have some time on your hands, and really want to show off the complex layering of flavors in the wine, our suggestion is broiled, spiced racks of lamb on roasted savoy cabbage with raisins, with cauliflower and date purées on the side.  You will have to open another bottle to savor the long, focused finish of this Sonoma Coast Syrah for just a bit more.  We say do it with a French St. Nectaire cheese.  It has a mild sharpness and earthiness to it that will be perfect with this Ramey.  Last call is coming winelovers, so top off those glasses!

Bottle:  750ml, cork
Varietal:  95% Syrah, 5% Viognier
Alcohol:  15%
Ageing:   24 months in barrel
Region:  Sonoma Coast, Sonoma, North Coast, California
Limited production: 1,750 dozen