Top 7 West Coast U.S. Syrahs You Must Try

Top 7 West Coast U.S. Syrahs You Must Try

ByWine Country News Reading Time: 5 minutes

Top 7 West Coast U.S. Syrahs You Must Try

Top 7 West Coast U.S. Syrahs You Must Try

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Key Takeaways

  • The West Coast of the U.S. is home to some of the world’s best Syrah wines.
  • These wines are known for their rich, full-bodied flavor and unique terroir.
  • Top producers include Qupe, Cayuse, and Alban Vineyards among others.
  • Each of these wines offers a unique tasting experience, reflecting the diversity of the West Coast’s wine regions.
  • Trying these wines can provide a deeper understanding and appreciation of American Syrah.

Introduction: The Allure of West Coast Syrah

The West Coast of the United States, particularly California, Oregon, and Washington, is renowned for its world-class wines. Among the varietals that thrive in these regions, Syrah stands out for its robust, full-bodied flavor and unique expression of terroir. This article explores seven of the top West Coast Syrahs that every wine enthusiast should try.

1. Qupe Central Coast Syrah

Qupe, located in California’s Central Coast, is known for producing some of the region’s best Syrahs. Their Central Coast Syrah is a standout, offering a rich, full-bodied flavor profile with notes of blackberry, plum, and pepper. Wine Enthusiast awarded this wine 92 points, praising its balance and complexity1.

2. Cayuse Vineyards Cailloux Vineyard Syrah

Washington’s Cayuse Vineyards is renowned for its Rhone-style wines, and their Cailloux Vineyard Syrah is no exception. This wine is known for its earthy, savory flavors, with notes of black olive, smoked meat, and dark fruit. It received a score of 98 points from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate2.

3. Alban Vineyards Reva Syrah

Alban Vineyards, located in California’s Edna Valley, is a pioneer in Rhone varietals in the United States. Their Reva Syrah is a flagship wine, offering a rich, full-bodied palate with notes of blackberry, chocolate, and spice. It consistently receives high scores from critics, including a 96 point rating from Wine Spectator3.

4. Sine Qua Non Atlantis Fe2O3 Syrah

Sine Qua Non is a cult favorite among wine enthusiasts, known for their limited-production Rhone-style wines. Their Atlantis Fe2O3 Syrah, sourced from California vineyards, is a standout, offering a complex palate with notes of black fruit, licorice, and spice. It received a perfect 100 point score from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate4.

5. Betz Family Winery La Serenne Syrah

Betz Family Winery, located in Washington’s Columbia Valley, is known for its Rhone-style wines. Their La Serenne Syrah is a standout, offering a rich, full-bodied palate with notes of blackberry, plum, and pepper. It received a score of 94 points from Wine Enthusiast5.

6. Saxum Booker Vineyard Syrah

Saxum, located in California’s Paso Robles region, is known for its Rhone-style wines. Their Booker Vineyard Syrah is a standout, offering a rich, full-bodied palate with notes of blackberry, chocolate, and spice. It consistently receives high scores from critics, including a 98 point rating from Wine Spectator6.

7. Penner-Ash Wine Cellars Estate Syrah

Penner-Ash Wine Cellars, located in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, is known for its Pinot Noir and Syrah wines. Their Estate Syrah is a standout, offering a rich, full-bodied palate with notes of blackberry, plum, and pepper. It received a score of 92 points from Wine Enthusiast7.

FAQ Section

What is Syrah?

Syrah is a dark-skinned grape variety that is used to produce red wine. It is known for its full-bodied, rich flavor profile with notes of dark fruit, spice, and sometimes savory or meaty elements.

What makes West Coast Syrah unique?

West Coast Syrah is unique due to the region’s diverse terroir. The climate, soil, and topography of the West Coast allow for a wide range of expressions of the Syrah grape, from fruit-forward and lush to earthy and savory.

What food pairs well with Syrah?

Syrah pairs well with a variety of foods, particularly hearty meat dishes like steak, lamb, and game. It can also pair well with spicy foods and hard cheeses.

How should Syrah be served?

Syrah is best served at room temperature. It can benefit from decanting, particularly for younger wines, to allow the flavors to fully develop.

What is the price range for these wines?

The price range for these wines can vary widely, from around $20 for the Qupe Central Coast Syrah to several hundred dollars for the Sine Qua Non Atlantis Fe2O3 Syrah.

Conclusion: The Rich Diversity of West Coast Syrah

The West Coast of the U.S. offers a rich diversity of Syrah wines, reflecting the unique terroir of the region. From the fruit-forward, lush wines of California’s Central Coast to the earthy, savory wines of Washington’s Columbia Valley, these seven Syrahs represent the best of what the West Coast has to offer. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or a curious beginner, exploring these wines can provide a deeper understanding and appreciation of American Syrah.

Key Takeaways Revisited

  • The West Coast of the U.S. is home to some of the world’s best Syrah wines.
  • These wines are known for their rich, full-bodied flavor and unique terroir.
  • Top producers include Qupe, Cayuse, and Alban Vineyards among others.
  • Each of these wines offers a unique tasting experience, reflecting the diversity of the West Coast’s wine regions.
  • Trying these wines can provide a deeper understanding and appreciation of American Syrah.

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References

  1. Wine Enthusiast. (2020). Qupe 2017 Central Coast Syrah (Central Coast). Wine Enthusiast. Retrieved from https://www.winemag.com/
  2. Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate. (2019). Cayuse 2016 Cailloux Vineyard Syrah (Walla Walla Valley). Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate. Retrieved from https://www.robertparker.com/
  3. Wine Spectator. (2020). Alban 2016 Reva Syrah (Edna Valley). Wine Spectator. Retrieved from https://www.winespectator.com/
  4. Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate. (2018). Sine Qua Non 2015 Atlantis Fe2O3 Syrah (California). Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate. Retrieved from https://www.robertparker.com/
  5. Wine Enthusiast. (2020). Betz 2017 La Serenne Syrah (Columbia Valley). Wine Enthusiast. Retrieved from https://www.winemag.com/
  6. Wine Spectator. (2020). Saxum 2016 Booker Vineyard Syrah (Paso Robles). Wine Spectator. Retrieved from https://www.winespectator.com/
  7. Wine Enthusiast. (2020). Penner-Ash 2017 Estate Syrah (Willamette Valley). Wine Enthusiast. Retrieved from https://www.winemag.com/

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