California Syrah: 10 great value picks under $40/£40
While California Syrahs may not command the same eye-watering prices as, say, Napa Valley Cabernets, several wines top the $200 mark. But Decanter has picked out 10 from Matthew Luczy's recent tasting that represent great value at $40/£40 or less
QUICK LINK
California Syrah: full report and 14 top-rated wines, including:
Bien Nacido Vineyards, XO Syrah, Santa Barbara County 2018 97 pts | Jolie-Laide, Halcon Vineyard Syrah, Mendocino County 2018 97 pts | Pax, Hillsides Syrah, Sonoma County 2018 97 pts
From 82 samples across a range of counties, Decanter‘s California correspondent Matthew Luczy selected the top 50 for his state-wide Syrah round up.
For a comprehensive overview, read his full report and top-rated wines overall, as well as analysis of key AVAs and their best wines (coming soon). However, for those looking for great value California Syrah, the list below comprises wines all priced at $40/£40 or less.
Within this line up are wines from across California’s varied AVAs – from Mendocino County in the north to Santa Barbara County in the south – from both established and emerging producers.
Bedrock Wine Co’s 2018 Syrah, from vineyards in Sonoma, Mendocino, Santa Barbara and Amador Counties, is just $24.99. As Luczy says, ‘it cannot be beat at this price’, scoring it 93 points.
While none of the vintages of these selected great value California Syrahs are available in the UK, the 2016 vintage of Anthill Farms’ Peter’s Vineyard Syrah is available for £32.50 from The Vinorium.
Great value California Syrah under $40/£40
COMING SOON
Individual AVA analysis and top California Syrah from:
Sonoma County, Mendocino County, Napa County & Sierra Foothills, Santa Barbara County, Monterey County, Paso Robles & San Luis Obispo
Storm, Slide Hill Vineyard Syrah, Central Coast, Edna Valley, California, USA, 2017
Slide Hill is planted on gravelly loam soils 11km from the ocean. An expressive nose of cedar, dried sage, white pepper and cocoa powder, while...
2017
StormCentral Coast
Holus Bolus, Presqu'ile Vineyard Syrah, Santa Barbara County, Santa Maria Valley, California, USA, 2018
Aromas of damp leaves, cured meat and cigar box spice. Thanks to 25% whole-cluster fermentation, the palate is buoyant and fresh, with intense pepper and...
2018
Holus BolusSanta Barbara County
Seabold, Rodnick Farm Syrah, Monterey County, Chalone, California, USA, 2018
Subtle and seductive aromas of green pepper, tarragon and capers, reflecting the cool vintage. The refined palate combines vibrant high-toned red and blue fruits, dusty...
2018
SeaboldMonterey County
Wilde Farm, Halcon Vineyard Syrah, Mendocino County, Yorkville Highlands, California, USA, 2017
Winemaker Pax Mahle coaxes out all the savoury texture from this vineyard, using 100% whole cluster fruit. Wild and gamey aromas of cured meat, black...
2017
Wilde FarmMendocino County
Anthill Farms, Peters Vineyard Syrah, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast, California, USA, 2018
Spry and purple-fruited on the nose, with aromas of fresh violets, cardamom and white pepper. Silky and focused on the palate, with a deceptive number...
2018
Anthill FarmsSonoma 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
Copain, Les Voisins Syrah, Mendocino County, Yorkville Highlands, California, USA, 2017
Subtle on the nose at first, then aromas of seaweed, clay and parsley. The palate balances plush richness and sappy intensity through to an expansive,...
2017
CopainMendocino County
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
Skinner, Syrah, Sierra Foothills, El Dorado County, 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
Wrath, San Saba Vineyard Syrah, Monterey County, Monterey, California, USA, 2017
Classic Syrah nose of fresh herbs, bacon fat and black liquorice. There's great depth on the mid-bodied palate, layered with deep, dense flavours of huckleberry,...
2017
WrathMonterey County
