Who loves Syrah? Whether it is inky or peppery or blueberries or mulberries or full on herbs, we do, we really do! We especially love it when it is bright and balanced and farmed with respect to the land– organically and biodynamically, considering the health of planet as well as people. The climate where the Syrah grapes grow influences the profile of the finished wines. In cool climates, Syrah may be lighter, peppery, and elegant while in moderate climates like the northern Rhone Valley and parts of the Walla Walla AVA in Washington State Syrah produces medium to full-bodied wines with bramble fruit, herbs and black pepper notes. Hotter climates like Australia for Syrah (or Shiraz) often means fuller-bodied wines with soft tannins, jammy blueberries, and notes of licorice and leather.
With Syrah Day Feb. 16 (and any day you open a bottle of Syrah!), these three check all the boxes: biodynamic, juicy, elegant, full of flavor, food friendly. Today we feature one of the most well known biodynamic Syrahs from Washington’s Cayuse, plus up and coming J Dirt from San Luis Obispo (mostly growers but also makers), and finally brand new Ojai Mountain in Ventura County which is about to release the second vintage of their Syrah. All three wineries have a pioneering spirit with where and how they are producing biodynamic Syrah.
wine predator.............. gwendolyn alley 