Why You Should Try Washington State Syrah

Alongside Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, Washington State also produces wonderful wines made from Syrah (also known as Shiraz). And the best wine store California has a super selection of these wines from its West Coast cousin. 

What should you expect from Syrah? These wines show off with rich, dark fruit flavors including blackberry, plum, and black cherry. On the palate, they also boast a range of spices, such as hints of black pepper, clove, and cinnamon, adding depth. The spiciness is a characteristic, especially in cooler climates, but never overwhelming. Herbal notes, such as thyme, sage, or mint, can also be detected, contributing freshness and complexity. Earthy undertones, like wet soil, smoke, leather, or tobacco, add another layer of depth to the wine's profile. 

Many Washington Syrah wines are aged in oak barrels, which will impart additional flavors of vanilla, cedar, or toast, enhancing the wine's richness and texture. 

Bottle Barn has a curated selection of Washington State Syrah wines, including some real standouts for when you next order wine online. For example, the 2018 Sequel Syrah received 97 points from critic Jeb Dunnuck and 94 from James Suckling. Dunnuck highlighted the "loads of black fruits, smoked game, liquid violets, and cracked pepper notes” in this vintage. Typical to the varietal, he also noted its wildness and gaminess. The tannins a fine, with an overall full-bodied richness. He concluded, “You could safely put this up with the best Syrah coming out of Washington and California.” 

Suckling commented on the blue and black fruit as well as peppercorn and charcoal on the nose. The 2018 is “full-bodied with firm, integrated tannins. Rich, inky and fleshy on the palate. Concentrated.” 

Another true winner is the 2019 K Vintners The Beautiful Syrah, which was also scored by Suckling and Dunnuck. It was made from 97% Syrah and 3% Viognier, in classic Rhone style. Then it was aged in  50% new French oak barrels. The former critic gave it 97 points and the latter 95 points. 

The winemaker believes it’s a classy and composed wine. Do the critics agree? "Such a pretty nose of cooking spice, red and black cherries and dried garden herbs,” says Suckling. Full-bodied with excellent depth and nuance. Silky tannins.” Suckling praises the winemaker’s skills, in part for the  black pepper and spiced cherry notes that complete the overall effect. 

Jeb Dunnuck highlights this as a single-vineyard wine in the Walla Walla Valley appellation. He picks up on the northern Rhone style, “offering darker cherry and currant fruits as well as some iron, tapenade, and peppery herb aromas and flavors.” Be assured, this is a  full-bodied wine with tannins that allow for substantial ageing potential. 

Washington State winemakers are definitely on their game because there’s another example of a superb syrah: the 2018 Gramercy Cellars John Lewis Syrah, which received 97 from Dunnuck, 95 from Wine Advocate, 93 from Vinous, and the same points from Wine Enthusiast.  This wine was made from whole grape clusters, so expect some tannins but also huge amounts of fruit. It boasts 13% alcohol, which is just about right for a Washington syrah. It aged for 17 months before release, with just 7% new oak. 

Wine Advocate’s review is full of praise and details, starting with “devastatingly gorgeous and refined” The aromas include a “brilliant” display of  “dusty black raspberry, juicy currant and cassis with a kiss of oak.” The critic loves the “succulent acidity,” which keeps the wine fresh. “This bottling is clearly one of the great Syrahs coming from the Walla Walla Valley” declares the Wind Advocate, and now it’s available when you order wine online at Bottle Barn.