About the Variety
Syrah is one of Anderson Valley’s most distinctive and limited-production red grape varieties, grown on only a handful of vineyard properties throughout the region. Planted primarily on elevated eastern and western ridges above the valley’s fog line, Syrah benefits from warmer daytime temperatures while still enjoying the cooling influence of the Pacific Ocean.
This unique combination creates wines with remarkable balance, concentration, and complexity. Anderson Valley Syrah often displays rich flavors of blackberry, plum, and dark cherry layered with notes of black pepper, smoked herbs, forest spice, and earthy undertones. Vineyards closer to the coast tend to produce wines with pronounced white pepper characteristics and vibrant freshness, while warmer sites contribute depth, structure, and intensity.
The result is a sophisticated cool-climate Syrah that reflects the diversity of Anderson Valley’s terroir.
Climate & Terroir
Anderson Valley’s hillside vineyards provide ideal conditions for Syrah, combining abundant sunshine with cool Pacific breezes and dramatic day-to-night temperature shifts. The region’s varied soils, coastal influence, and elevated growing sites create wines with concentrated fruit, savory complexity, vibrant acidity, and distinctive spice notes that showcase the unique character of Anderson Valley.
