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
Scroll down for Matthew Luczy’s top Monterey County Syrahs
Matthew Luczy’s top Monterey County Syrahs
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Seabold, Rodnick Farm Syrah, Chalone, Monterey County, 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, Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County, 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, Monterey County, 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, Chalone, Monterey County, 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, Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County, 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, Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County, 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, Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County, 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, Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County, 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
