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Red Wine by Ch. Souverain from Sonoma County, California. Aromas on this Syrah start with blueberry, cassis black pepper and raspberry notes with hints of floral and spice. The mouthfeel is warm, supple and rich, with flavors of ripe berries, nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla framing a core of lush fruit. This estate wine is designed to be approachable, yet have a sense of complexity and richness, allowing for development with bottle age. The grapes for Chateau Souverain's Syrah come from our estate vineyards, located at the northern end of the Alexander Valley, adjacent to the western bank of the Russian River. The gravelly soils of the Viognier and Syrah vineyards, positioned on slopes overlooking the river, are of moderate fertility and vigor, which helps to keep the crop loads in good balance. The hillsides, located further back from the river provide the Mourvedre with even less fertile soil than the Viognier and Syrah vineyards, helping to keep this large clustered variety stressed enough to ensure concentrated fruit development. One of The Year's Best Syrahs. Rustic and dynamic, this has the energy syrah gets when the vine hits a balanced ripeness. There's an electricity between the crushed granite tannins and the crushed violet fruit, a juiciness in the end that keeps coming on... -Wines & Spirits

Red Wine by Cline from Sonoma County, California. The 2005 Cool Climate Syrah is deep in color with rich blueberry and black pepper characters and a cedary-smooth finish. The wine's bright acidity makes it an great match for seafood pasta dishes, tri-tip steak smothered in wild chanterelles, and chicken satay.

Red Wine by Keller Estate from Sonoma County, California. Black is the word that keeps coming up when describing this wine: black color, blackberry jam, black pepper, black leather (OK, it could be any color leather, but doesn't black leather sound better?). In addition, there are notes of chocolate, tobacco, sweet oak and mint. The core of hedonistic sweet fruit is kept lively by bright acidity and the texture is rich, long and full. While still quite young and enjoyable for its copious fruit, this wine is probably best enjoyed 2006 - 2012.

Red Wine by Matanzas Creek from Sonoma County, California. This is the ninth vintage of Matanzas Creek's limited production Syrah, the third crafted by winemaker Francois Cordesse. Eighty-five percent Syrah, this wine also includes small percentages of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, which each add unique character to the final wine blend. The Syrah fruit was sourced from vineyards located in cooler regions of Sonoma County. Francois meticulously selected fruit that ripened slowly in order to ensure rich and intense flavor character. Francois notes, Syrah is very difficult to grow and vinify, but the result is well worth the effort. The 2004 Syrah exhibits a deep, ruby red color, hinting at the density of flavors to come. The initial nose is of violets and loam from a forest after the rain. The second nose delivers dark ripe fruit, leather and tobacco leaves. The wine is exceedingly soft on the palate, caressing the mouth with the velvety taste of black cherries and ripe plums, a distinct note of pepper and cinnamon, and a remarkable tannic structure. The overall experience is generous and substantial, and the finish is long and luscious. Francois recommends that this Syrah be served cool and decanted for 20 to 30 minutes prior to serving. The wine will age for another four to five years, reaching its peak in approximately three years. At this point it will have developed deeper, earthier characteristics and a stronger leather note.

Red Wine by Sonoma Coast Vineyards from Sonoma County, California.

Red Wine by Terlato Vineyards from Sonoma County, California. In France's Rhone Valley, the Syrah grape shows off its full flavor in classic appellations like Cote Rotie and Hermitage. In Australia, Syrah is Shiraz, and the brawny reds from the land down under have made Shiraz Australia's signature varietal. In the United States, Terlato Vineyards 2003 Syrah Dry Creek Valley combines the best of both worlds. Terlato Vineyards found perfect Syrah conditions in Sonoma County's Dry Creek Valley, which shares important characteristics with the Rhone Valley. With luscious fruit and the best concepts of the Old and New Worlds, the winemaking team crafted a voluptuous wine with flavors of black cherry, plum, and currants, and hints of violets. Though ready today, Syrah is slow to mature, so the inaugural vintage will benefit with a few years of cellaring. It has the attributes to be a monumental wine. Rated 91/100 by Anthony Dias Blue.

Red Wine by Terlato Vineyards from Sonoma County, California. Terlato Vineyards found perfect Syrah conditions in Sonoma County's Dry Creek Valley, which shares important characteristics with France's Rhone Valley. Color: Deep purple. Aroma: Toast intermingled with smoked meats. Taste: Flavors of black cherry, plum and currants, with hints of violets.