2012 Ramey Sonoma Coast Syrah

Ramey Wine Cellars is in Healdsburg, in California’s Sonoma County. It was founded in 1996 by David and Carla Ramey. David had spent two decades as a winemaker for such producers as Matanzas Creek, Chalk Hill, Dominus and Rudd before striking out on his own. Ramey sources grapes from Napa Valley, the Russian River Valley and the Sonoma coast. The estate makes Cabernet blends, Chardonnay and Syrah. Robert M. Parker Jr. has praised Ramey’s wines, writing that “David Ramey is one of the few California winemakers who thinks in terms of structure, not just flavor…All the wines I tasted at Ramey’s cellar just outside Healdsburg were terrific.”

Sonoma Coast AVA runs from San Pablo Bay in the south to Mendocino County in the north. It includes 7,000 vineyard acres and earned AVA status in 1987. Its proximity to the Pacific Ocean means it gets double the rainfall of nearby inland appellations and the ocean gives the appellation a relatively cool climate. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir can thrive in these conditions, and there are numerous producers making critically acclaimed Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

This grape is grown in milder climates and produces a medium-to full-bodied wine. It is also known as Shiraz, but should not be confused with Petit Sirah, which was developed by crossing Syrah with Peloursin.