California Syrah: top Mendocino County wines

COMING SOON: Individual AVA analysis and top California Syrah from:

Napa County & Sierra Foothills, Santa Barbara County, Monterey County, Paso Robles & San Luis Obispo

As is common with now-classic California wine regions, Mendocino County was once thought too cold to successfully ripen grapes.

This tucked-away area began making its name in the 1980s with sparkling wine, and is now a top source of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. But, as growers have increasingly learned, where those cool-climate grapes thrive so will Syrah.

Scroll down for Matthew Luczy’s top-scoring Mendocino County Syrahs

Mendocino County Syrahs tend to be more savoury, oily and wild than those of Sonoma County, while an earthy, woodland-like quality threads through both regions. In many wines labelled as North Coast, top sites from both areas are combined, emphasising their connective tissue.

The Yorkville Highlands AVA is of particular note. The Halcon and Hawks Butte vineyards – just a stone’s throw apart at more than 600m altitude – turn out wonderfully gamey, spicy and umami-laden wines with supple textures.

Scott Schultz of Jolie-Laide makes one of California’s most dazzling Syrahs from Halcon, as does his mentor Pax Mahle for the Wilde Farm label. Ryan Zepaltas of Copain sources across multiple Yorkville Highlands sites for his Les Voisins blend.

Drew Family Wines makes charming examples from the Valenti Ranch and Perli vineyards farther west and at lower elevations in the Mendocino Ridge AVA. These sites exchange the meatiness found in the Yorkville Highlands for a clean, focused lift.

Matthew Luczy’s top Mendocino County Syrahs

You might also like…

California Syrah: full report and 14 top-rated wines

California Syrah: 10 great picks under $40/£40

Top Sonoma County Syrahs

Luczy: Hirsch Vineyards and the 2018 Pinot Noirs

California reds under £30/$30: panel tasting results

Napa Valley Cabernet 2018: Top 10 producers and 10 wineries to watch