California Syrah: top Napa County and Sierra Foothills wines
The key counties of Amador and El Dorado in the Sierra Foothills produce a variety of Syrah styles, from powerful to delicate. Matthew Luczy recommends his top picks, along with several from Napa County, where there are still prime Syrah vineyards that have not been turned over to Bordeaux varieties.
COMING SOON: Individual AVA analysis and top California Syrah from:
Sonoma County, Mendocino County, Santa Barbara County, Monterey County, Paso Robles & San Luis Obispo
Scroll down for the top-scoring Napa County and Sierra Foothills Syrahs
Matthew Luczy’s top Napa County and Sierra Foothills Syrahs
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Favia, Quarzo Syrah, Amador County, California, USA 2010
From Shake Ridge Ranch, a classic Amador site meticulously farmed by Ann Kraemer. Entering its secondary phase, with aromas of dried raspberries, incense, bay leaf...
2010
FaviaAmador County
Lagier Meredith, Syrah, Mt Veeder, Napa Valley, California, USA 2018
A 1.6ha site planted at 400m on shale and sandstone. The forest-driven, oceanic qualities of Mount Veeder come through in spades. Aromas of pine needles,...
2018
Lagier MeredithNapa Valley
Favia, Quarzo Syrah, Amador County, California, USA 2016
Ann Kraemer custom-farms her Shake Ridge Ranch based on the goals of her clients. This is concentrated and lifted on the nose: raspberry liqueur, lavender...
2016
FaviaAmador County
Bedrock Wine Co, Syrah, California, USA 2018
Sourced from classic sites in Sonoma, Mendocino, Santa Barbara and Amador Counties, with 10% Viognier added. Black pepper, dried lavender, allspice and tobacco leaf aromas....
2018
Bedrock Wine Co
Desire Lines, Shake Ridge Ranch Syrah, Amador County, California, USA 2018
A shrubby, dried-herb quality on the nose hangs behind spry dark fruits and fresh violets. Zesty and energetic on the palate, melding black cherry, red...
2018
Desire LinesAmador County
Failla, Hudson Vineyard Syrah, Los Carneros, Napa Valley, California, USA 2018
An enticing mixture of blueberry, plum, violet and charcoal aromas. The palate is velvety and supple, with layers of dark berries interspersed with grilled fruit...
2018
FaillaNapa Valley
Skinner, Syrah, El Dorado County, Sierra Foothills, California, USA 2018
Blackberry, bramble, black olive and sage aromas. The palate is fresh and lively, while retaining an upright and serious structure alongside dried black fruits, charcoal...
2018
SkinnerSierra Foothills
Ram's Gate, Hyde Vineyard Syrah, Los Carneros, Napa Valley, California, USA 2018
A perfumed, floral rendition of Syrah with blueberries, pomegranate and white flowers on the nose, then a mix of red, black and purple fruits on...
2018
Ram's GateNapa Valley
