We like straight talk about wine. One writer called this bottle “…a really, really good Shiraz.” Is that straight enough? The Syrah grape can yield lean, intellectual wines in France’s Rhone Valley. This is not one of those wines. This is like the Aussie version: round, full and ripe, with jammy blackberry flavors.

We can’t think of a wine that is easier to like.

Bridlewood built its reputation on Syrah, and this is a good example of its signature style. The wine is built to last. Extra time in the bottle shows up in perfectly integrated flavors, smooth tannins and expressive character. The blend is a Rhône model, modified for California’s abundant sun.

A rich array of dark fruit, plum, cherry and fresh raspberries, highlighted by spicy cloves and vanilla notes. The long finish will make roasted meats melt in your mouth.

If you love Syrah that sings of the southern Rhône, this is the wine for you. The Santa Ynez Valley is California’s bastion of Syrah. Purity of fruit, purity of spirit. Sunlight in a bottle, as they say. The vineyard comes through in every sip.

Very complex flavors, starting with dark fruit, cassis and mocha, evolve into another layer of herbal spice and licorice. Do you taste the violets dancing through this one?

Old vines (70+ years), self-rooted, dry farmed— a recipe for rich, enduring wines. Add to that the “old clone” heritage, and you have a Syrah to collect, savor and enjoy.

Roman Bratasiuk’s quintessential wine is nothing short of stunning. Cassis and countless sweet red and black fruits on the nose. Intense flavors of blueberries, plum, roasted meat, truffles, violet and vanilla. Notice the subtle tones of pepper and cedary oak. Finishes with plenty of flavor and rousing intensity.

Unfortunately, this wine is only available to ship to the following states: Alaska, DC, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, and Wyoming.

Brookman Vineyard vines date back to 1925, rooted in gravel and clay. They are yielding grapes with balanced flavors, ample sugars and classic Syrah character.

An aristocratic wine, this Syrah has notes of boysenberry and blackberries with hints of spice cake and vanilla. Full throttle flavors to the finish: licorice, currants, spice and acacia flowers. Well-integrated tannins and an extended finish.

Unfortunately, this wine is only available to ship to the following states: Alaska, DC, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, and Wyoming.

Russian River means cool climate, right? Syrah means warm climate, right? Yes…and no. Cool climate Syrah has really caught on because you get all that Syrah fruit flavor and texture, with a touch of elegance in the structure. Winemakers used two different designer yeasts to draw out structure, flavor and aromas.

Earthy smoke and toast, dark blue and black berries, black pepper spice.Tannins that caress the palate on the finish.