
Syrah / Shiraz Wine
Learn about Syrah — taste profile, popular regions and more ...
Marked by an unmistakable deep purple hue and savory aromatics, Syrah, also known as Shiraz, accounts for a good deal of some of the most intense, powerful and age-worthy reds in the world. Native to the Northern Rhône, Syrah still achieves some of its maximum potential here, especially from Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie.
Syrah and Shiraz wine also plays an important component in the canonical Southern Rhône blends based on Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre, adding color, depth, complexity and structure to the mix. Today these blends have become well-appreciated from key appellations of the New World, namely Australia, California and increasingly, with praise, from Washington.
Due to the success of Australian “Shiraz,” winemakers throughout the world have adopted this synonym for Syrah when they have produced a plush and fruit forward wine made in the Australian style.
Tasting Notes for Syrah / Shiraz
Syrah/Shiraz is a dry, red wine that typically shows aromas and flavors of purple fruits, fragrant violets, baking spice and even bacon, smoke or black olive. In Australia, where it goes under the name Shiraz, it produces deep, dark, intense and often, jammy reds. While Northern Rhône examples are typically less fruity and more earthy, California appears increasingly capable of either style.
Perfect Food Pairings for Syrah / Shiraz
Flavorful Moroccan-spiced lamb, grilled meats, spareribs and hard, aged cheeses are perfect with Syrah. Blue cheeses are perfect with a dense and fruit-driven Australian Shiraz.
Sommelier Secrets for Syrah / Shiraz
Syrah once played a role as a blending partner to the austere Cabernet in Bordeaux as it added some body and texture. Now, Australians are fond of tempering their fruit-forward Shiraz by blending with Cabernet Sauvignon, which adds depth and structure.
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate70
- Wine Spectator52
- Wine Enthusiast15
- Wine & Spirits7
- James Suckling4
- Wilfred Wong of Wine.com1
- Decanter1
- Tasting Panel1
- Collectible70
- Boutique53
- Older Vintages42
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Cayuse Bionic Frog Syrah 2010Syrah/Shiraz from Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington
- RP
- WS
- WE
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Sine Qua Non Stockholm Syndrome Eleven Confession Vineyard Syrah 2010Syrah/Shiraz from Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Barbara, Central Coast, California
- RP
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Cayuse Cailloux Syrah 2010Syrah/Shiraz from Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington
- RP
- WE
- WS
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Clarendon Hills Astralis Syrah 2010Syrah/Shiraz from McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia
- RP
- WW
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Cayuse Armada Syrah 2010Syrah/Shiraz from Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington
- RP
- WE
- WS
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Cayuse En Cerise Syrah 2010Syrah/Shiraz from Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington
- WE
- WS
- RP
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Alain Voge Cornas Vieilles Vignes 2010Syrah/Shiraz from Cornas, Rhone, France
- RP
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Torrin Akasha 2010Syrah/Shiraz from Paso Robles, Central Coast, California
- RP
- WS
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Betz Family Winery La Cote Rousse Syrah 2010Syrah/Shiraz from Yakima Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington
- RP
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Alain Voge Cornas Les Vieilles Fontaines 2010Syrah/Shiraz from Cornas, Rhone, France
- RP
- WS
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Two Hands Bella's Garden Shiraz 2010Syrah/Shiraz from Barossa Valley, Barossa, South Australia, Australia
- WS
- RP
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Alban Reva Estate Syrah 2010Syrah/Shiraz from Edna Valley, Central Coast, California
- RP
- WS
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Rhys Vineyards Horseshoe Vineyard Syrah 2010Syrah/Shiraz from Santa Cruz Mountains, California
- RP
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K Vintners The Hidden Syrah 2010Syrah/Shiraz from Wahluke Slope, Columbia Valley, Washington
- RP
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Cayuse En Chamberlin Syrah 2010Syrah/Shiraz from Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington
- WE
- WS
- RP
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Clarendon Hills Brookman Syrah 2010Syrah/Shiraz from McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia
- RP
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Mollydooker Carnival of Love 2010Syrah/Shiraz from McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia
- RP
- WS
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Guigal La Landonne Cote Rotie 2010Syrah/Shiraz from Cote Rotie, Rhone, France
- RP
- WS
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Kilikanoon Oracle Shiraz 2010Syrah/Shiraz from Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia
- RP
- WE
- W&S
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Lagier Meredith Syrah 2010Syrah/Shiraz from Napa Valley, California
- RP
- WS
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d'Arenberg The Amaranthine Shiraz 2010Syrah/Shiraz from McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia
- JS
- RP
- WS
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Colgin IX Estate Syrah 2010Syrah/Shiraz from Napa Valley, California
- RP
- WS
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Guigal Saint-Joseph Vignes de l'Hospice Rouge 2010Syrah/Shiraz from Rhone, France
- WS
- RP
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Two Hands Ares Shiraz 2010Syrah/Shiraz from Barossa Valley, Barossa, South Australia, Australia
- WS
- RP
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John Duval Eligo Shiraz 2010Syrah/Shiraz from Barossa Valley, Barossa, South Australia, Australia
- RP
- WE
- WS