Robert Ramsay Cellars: A Winery to Watch in Woodinville



By Kori ~ August 8th, 2011.

Robert Ramsay Cellars, located in Woodinville, Washington, is named for winemaker Bob Harris’s great uncle Mason Ramsay. When asked about the name, he jokes that “Bob Harris Winery” just didn’t have the same ring to it. Harris works in the software industry by day and devotes the rest of his time to producing high-quality Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvedre, and red blends. In 2001, he decided to take his winemaking hobby to the next level and got his start at Coeur d’Alene Cellars. Now his efforts are focused on his Robert Ramsay Cellars in Woodinville’s warehouse district.

We recently had the opportunity to taste three Robert Ramsay wines in a blind samples tasting, the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2008 Mourvedre, and the 2007 Horse Heaven Hills Syrah. All three wines were good, but we were especially impressed with the Cabernet Sauvignon. Not only is it an excellent wine, but it also delivers serious bang for your buck.

If you live in the greater Seattle area or visit the area on vacation, a trip to the wineries in Woodinville is well worth your time. And while you are there, I encourage you to visit Robert Ramsay Cellars. It is definitely a winery to watch.

2008 Robert Ramsay Cabernet Sauvignon (Upland Vineyards, Snipes Mountain, Yakima Valley, Washington): 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Mourvedre. Deep, dark purplish red. Nice nose with blackberry and toasty oak aromas. Black plum, licorice, and a hint of black pepper come through on the palate. Full-bodied with lively acidity and medium to high tannins. Well-balanced with a long finish.
Quality: 4 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 5 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Received as sample, suggested retail $38

2008 Robert Ramsay Mourvedre (McKinley Springs Vineyard, Horse Heaven Hills, Washington): Deep ruby red in color. Aromatic with game, earth, white pepper, and wild berries on the nose and palate. Medium-bodied with sweet tannins and a long, smooth finish.
Quality: 3.5 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 2 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Received as sample, suggested retail $42; Available elsewhere, $41

2007 Robert Ramsay Horse Heaven Hills Syrah (Horse Heaven Hills, Washington): 92% Syrah, 3% Mourvedre, and 5% Viognier. Dark purple. Aromatic with black plum on the nose. More black plum as well as blackberry and a hint of spice come through on the palate. Medium to full-bodied with lively acidity, medium to high tannins, and a long finish.
Quality: 3 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 3 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Received as sample, suggested retail $20; Available elsewhere, $20


Filed under: American Wine, Cabernet Sauvignon, Five-Bangs For Your Buck Wines, Mourvedre, Red Wine, Shiraz/Syrah, Washington State Wine, Wines Over $25, Wines Under $20, Wines Under $25

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