California Syrah: top Monterey County wines
With a cooler climate and reputation for high-quality Pinot Noir, it is hardly surprising that Monterey County produces some exquisite, dense and velvety styles of Syrah. Matthew Luczy picks out eight wines from the Chalone and Santa Lucia Highlands AVAs to try.
Individual AVA analysis and top California Syrah from:
Sonoma County, Mendocino County, Napa County & Sierra Foothills, Santa Barbara County, Paso Robles & San Luis Obispo
Squarely in the middle of California‘s Central Coast, Monterey County has some of the coolest average temperatures in the state. Combined with below-average rainfall, this extends the growing season considerably, virtually eliminating pressure to pick before autumn storms.
Scroll down for Matthew Luczy’s top Monterey County Syrahs
The Santa Lucia Highlands AVA is the crown jewel of Monterey County. It initially gained attention for the quality of its Pinot Noir. Tucked into the base of the Santa Lucia Range and overlooking the Salinas Valley, it enjoys a maritime influence from Monterey Bay to the northwest.
The AVA’s east-facing exposure lets the vineyards bask in the soft morning sun, while winds from the Pacific Ocean contribute to thicker grape skins and higher levels of tannin.
The Pisoni family’s Lucia label and the Franscioni family’s Roar brand produce textbook Monterey County Syrahs, with dense, velvety, chewy profiles. The wines of Wrath take a more spice-driven route, with its San Saba bottling a highlight.
The Brousseau vineyard, in the minuscule Chalone AVA, is a unique site planted atop limestone and decomposed granite adjacent to Pinnacles National Monument. Sonoma’s Copain produces a supple and polished example from here.
Also in Chalone is Rodnick Farm, once the home of pioneering winemaker Dick Graff. Monterey’s Seabold Cellars makes a beautifully ethereal Syrah from this historic vineyard.
Monterey County Syrahs typically have less gamey or savoury qualities than those of the North Coast.
For fans of upfront power looking to acquaint themselves with California Syrah, Monterey County is a solid stepping stone to seek out.
Matthew Luczy’s top Monterey County Syrahs
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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
Roar, Sierra Mar Vineyard Syrah, Monterey County, Santa Lucia Highlands, California, USA, 2018
The most savoury and earthy of Roar's line up of Syrahs, showing dried mint, blackberry and tar aromas. A generous, ripe palate intertwines dark fruits...
2018
RoarMonterey County
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
Copain, Brosseau Syrah, Monterey County, Chalone, California, USA, 2017
An easy-drinking but classically styled Syrah leading with aromas and flavours of black fruit, iodine, pie crust and white pepper. The silky palate is rich...
2017
CopainMonterey County
Lucia, Susan's Hill Syrah, Monterey County, Santa Lucia Highlands, California, USA, 2018
The most herbal and aromatically complex of Lucia's line up of Syrahs: packed with dried thyme, acacia and potpourri. The high-toned palate is textured with...
2018
LuciaMonterey County
Roar, Rosella's Vineyard Syrah, Monterey County, Santa Lucia Highlands, California, USA, 2018
Lifted perfume of black plums, blueberry and cocoa before a full, supple and layered palate of milk chocolate, espresso, blackcurrants and purple fruits. Substantial and...
2018
RoarMonterey County
Cattleya, The Initiation Syrah, Monterey County, Santa Lucia Highlands, California, USA, 2018
Black cherries, strawberry jam and anise on both the nose and clean, focused palate. It's a bit shy at first, but the tannin structure is...
2018
CattleyaMonterey County
Lucia, Gary's Vineyard Syrah, Monterey County, Santa Lucia Highlands, California, USA, 2018
A bit of reduction before aromas of black and purple fruits laced with fresh flowers. Generous and velvety on the palate, continuing the fruit-driven components...
2018
LuciaMonterey County
