Standout Syrahs ft. Alma Rosa, 100-pt Penfolds, and More!

The 2020 Qupé Bien Nacido Hillside Estate Syrah is deeply colored and rich without feeling heavy. Blueberry, cola and black pepper lead into toasty mocha notes from barrel fermentation, while moderate alcohol and balanced structure support a long life in the cellar. It is made from 100% Syrah grown in Bien Nacido Vineyard's Z Block.

The 2022 Inspiration Vineyards Syrah comes from Larry Peter's vineyard in the cool Petaluma Gap. Concentrated blackberry and dried-fruit flavors give it depth, while its Northern Rhône inspiration keeps the wine focused and savory. The unfiltered, 13.9% alcohol bottling was limited to just 50 cases.

The 2020 Murder Ridge Potato Patch Syrah shows black currant and blueberry with pepper, sweet spice and a subtle smoky edge. Grown high in Mendocino Ridge, it offers ripe fruit and savory detail in a concentrated style. The exact bottle is also listed by the winery's retail partner at 15.5% alcohol.

Awarded 92 points by Ken's Wine Guide. The 2021 Clendenen Family Vineyards Rancho La Cuna Syrah blends 90% Syrah with 10% Viognier. Pomegranate, plum sauce, coffee, ginger, eucalyptus and white pepper meet a round, supple palate, with savory herbs and licorice adding complexity to the softly structured finish.

The 2021 Carr Syrah comes from Kærskov Vineyard in the Los Olivos District of Santa Barbara County. Crushed blackberry, blueberry, cherry, vanilla bean and white pepper fill a medium-to-full-bodied palate, with soft, velvety tannins and measured oak from 20 months in one-year-old French barrels.

Awarded 94 points by Vinous. The 2022 Jolie-Laide Hawks Butte Vineyard Syrah is savory and intense, with dark red fruit, iron, incense, white pepper and dried rose. Fermentation with 100% whole clusters adds aromatic lift and structure, while 14 months in neutral French oak preserves the wine's freshness and site character.

The 2022 Kynsi Kalanna Syrah is an Edna Valley bottling from the Lewis Vineyard. The winery's archived profile for this same cuvée describes mulberry, cumin, espresso, purple flowers, wild blueberry and pink peppercorn, carried by a full, balanced palate. This sensory profile comes from the 2020 release because a 2022 technical sheet was unavailable.

The 2021 Summerland Robert Rae Vineyard Syrah is light on its feet, with crisp raspberry, baked blueberry and wild fennel. Peppery spice, rose petal, lavender and dark chocolate add detail to the fresh, cool-climate palate, giving the wine both floral lift and savory depth.

The 2023 Apsara Cellars Syrah moves from black pepper, fig, plum and dark fruit into vanilla, toasted coconut and sage. Black currant, dark cherry, cedar, cured meat and black olive add savory depth. The wine is 100% Syrah and spent eight months in French oak, 30% new.

Awarded 92 points by The Wine Advocate. The 2017 Anaba Bismark Vineyard Syrah combines preserved black and blue fruit with iron, chocolate, dried herbs and violets. Full-bodied and firmly structured, it carries grainy tannins into an uplifted finish. The fruit comes from the high-elevation, volcanic Bismark Vineyard on Moon Mountain.

Awarded 93 points by Wine Spectator. The 2021 Dutton Estate Cherry Ridge Vineyard Syrah joins a New World nose with an Old World palate. Cherry, plum, violet, black pepper and bacon lead into a full-bodied wine with fresh acidity and moderately firm tannins, balancing ripe fruit with savory depth.

The 2019 Tertulia Cellars Riviere Galets Estate Vineyard Syrah comes from the cobbled soils of the Rocks District. Blueberry, pomegranate, fig, olive and violet shape the lively, medium-plus-bodied palate, with savory complexity and a black-licorice note extending the finish.

Awarded 94 points by James Suckling. The 2022 Andrew Murray Roasted Slope Syrah is dark and brooding, with black cherry, mixed berry pie, cocoa, black pepper and espresso. Toasted French oak, roasted tomato, white flowers, honey and peach add contrast, while ripe tannins and natural acidity shape a velvety, long finish.

The 2017 Judd's Hill Reserve Syrah is a small-lot Napa Valley bottling from a family winery known for concentrated, fruit-driven wines with balanced, food-friendly structure. Available profiles for the Reserve Syrah point toward ripe red fruit, black pepper, oak and vanilla over firm tannins.

The 2018 Zinke Reserve Kimsey Vineyard Syrah is a dark, savory Ballard Canyon bottling with black currant, roasted blueberry, thyme, tar and charred meat. Ripe fruit and smoky spice give the concentrated palate both power and complexity.

Awarded 96 points by Wine Enthusiast. The 2022 Alma Rosa El Jabali Syrah captures cool-climate power with blackberry, coffee cream and charred meat. Firm tannins frame dark fruit, sagebrush, peppercorn and coffee bean, while a gamy note extends the savory finish. The result is concentrated yet precise, with ample structure for the cellar.

Awarded 97 points by Wine Enthusiast. The 2020 Epoch Authenticity is 100% Syrah from Paderewski Vineyard. Blackberry, black raspberry, plum, leather and roasted meat lead into crushed rock, tobacco, candied violet, herbs de Provence, graphite and cocoa. Nineteen months in French oak and puncheons give the layered, energetic palate depth without muting its mineral drive.

Awarded 96 points by International Wine Review. The 2019 Reynvaan In The Hills Syrah, co-fermented with 6% Viognier, opens with black raspberry, cracked black pepper, pencil shaving and dried violet. Polished and refined, it balances medium-plus acidity and measured tannins with layers of blue and black fruit.

Awarded 100 points by Decanter. The 2014 Penfolds Grange blends 98% Shiraz with 2% Cabernet Sauvignon. Elderberry, blackberry, sage, aniseed and roasted chestnut lead into cassis, dark cherry, mocha and vanilla oak. Chalky tannins, bright acidity and a smooth, velvety finish give the densely layered wine both power and balance.