2008 Indian Princess

Ramona Valley

55% Syrah, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Petite Sirah

Reviewed by Dawna Ertel May 25, 2011

2008 Syrah 

Ramona Valley

100% Syrah

Reviewed by Dawna Ertel May 11, 2011

Tasting notes: The stunningly dark, inky pigment of Sunset Passion is mesmerizing at a glance, and alludes to the bewitching experience that follows.  Sultry aromas of black cherry, black licorice, raspberry and blueberry infuse with freshly ground pepper, fennel, pipe tobacco and smoky oak, along with a trace of hazelnut and tiramisu.  Supple berry flavors lead the palate, while cherry cola, tart plum and citrus-mint offer an enchanting peek into the wine’s acidity.  One by one, grape seeds, soft leather and a subtle gaminess are exposed, divulging a spellbinding complexity.  The intriguing finish delivers blackberry, cassis, cranberry, tea, and a tingly, effervescent mouthfeel.  Sunset Passion is an arresting fusion of flavor, character and structured tannins.

Pairs well with:  Lamb with braised fennel, prime rib, stewed chicken with tomatoes and peppers, beef fajitas, ratatouille, or penne pasta with sausage, mushrooms, red sauce and a Caesar salad. 

Tasting notes: The 2010 Ramona Blush, our inaugural blush wine, is filled with subtle sweetness and exotic tastes that will transport you to a chaise lounge in the tropics.  The aromas, suggestive of a balmy island breeze, reveal a fragrant blend of pineapple, banana, Fuji apple, and raspberry, with a touch of mineral and orange creamsicle.  Watermelon, honey, strawberry and apple juice flavors develop into sun-kissed tropical fruits, white peach and vanilla.  Sweet clementine and steely notes then lure you into a lusty hibiscus-melon finish.  Our Ramona Blush is a well-balanced blush wine, structured yet soft.  It will surely turn any occasion into a sensory escape to paradise.

Pairs well with:  Light seafood dishes such as halibut with citrus glaze or teriyaki salmon, fish tacos, and salad with walnuts, berries, nectarines and goat cheese will complement the sweeter fruit flavors.  Thai food’s spicy coconut based curries will offer a pleasant contrast.  This is also a great brunch wine! 

Tasting notes: This is a delightfully flirty Cab that will charm your taste buds.  Its traditional aromas of currant, leather and truffle are layered with an unexpected softness of plum, strawberry candy and stewed fruits.  The initial tasting offers surprisingly light cherry and plum flavors that evolve into fresh spearmint and herbs.  Warm spices and oak develop just as the frisky tannins are enlivened, as a reminder that though gentle and feminine at first glance, this is a full bodied wine with a backbone.  Then the tannins tenderly fade away, leaving caramel, currant, espresso and faint tobacco as a memory of the encounter.  If Cabernet Sauvignon is the king of grapes, then this is quite certainly the queen of Cabs.

Pairs well with:  Roast beef, grilled steak, leg of lamb, hearty poultry dishes, duck breast with cherry glaze, and Indian food will complement and exploit the contrasting lighter and bolder notes in this wine.