need help finding the right Syrah/shiraz

[J.Vizuete]

There’s are some great Syrah values out there…enjoy the hunt!

This is a good thing to keep in mind. Syrah, other than a few hot producers and then the Cote Rotie / Cornas regions (which don’t make a style at all similar to Darioush), sells very poorly in recent years, and as such, there are many discounts and bargains around.

It’s a real buyer’s market. I’m guessing you can find syrah you’ll like as much as Darioush for a fraction of the price, pretty easily.

Carlisle is a great option.

Totally agree with this post, Chris.

As a variety, syrah trends below pinot and cabernet price wise. I’ve been happy to taste some of the best examples in the world in the low 3 digits. Chave Hermitage, La Chappelle, Allemand, Clape, Jamet, Guigal, Penfolds, Henschke, SQN, Cayuse, etc. come to mind. Rayas flirts higher, and there are rare old bottles (Gentaz, Verset, Cuvee Cathelin) that command Burg-like pricing, but on average, syrah tends to be a variety where even a new wine drinker can access some of the greats.

[P_Intag]

Check out Tercero’s lineup of Syrah. Especially Larner Vineyard, my personal favorite.

[Brandon_R]

Hard +1 on the Alban Patrina for what the OP desires. It is showing a lot of wood at the moment though

I would recommend Tensley Colson Canyon (recently saw the 16 at Total wine for $40)

Can’t go wrong with Mike’s syrahs in the Myriad or Quivet portfolio.

I drink a few bottles of K vintners each year and those are quite distinctive, may be too funky for what he wants. I also drink a lot of Pax and don’t think it’s in the same space as the Darioush Syrah mentioned with respect to body and acidity. But Donelan bottles from 2010-2013 might fit the bill.

Plumpjack makes a very bold syrah with 15% malbec that is pretty juicy and clean, around $60 I think.

Those are all fairly mainstream US wines and fit the ripe/bold/fruit driven side of syrah.

I agree with this in part. That said, K Vintners’ The Beautiful Syrah (Powerline Vineyard) and Milbrandt Vineyard Syrah aren’t overly savory. The former is from a vineyard that isn’t in the Rocks District, and Milbrant isn’t either. Both provide ample fruit (which the OP is seeking) but with good Syrah character. The Beautiful is a bit over $50, but Milbrandt is under $40.

[J.Vizuete]

I like both and assent that those are on the cleaner side of their lineup. Frankly, the MCK in 2015 was utterly fantastic at $30.

[JDavisRoby]

Zaca Mesa has been on closeout locally the last few weeks. Found the estate Syrah for sub $15. I believe it is normally in the low $20’s. It is fantastic and would recommend.

[Fred_Bower]

Why no love for Gigondas? I’m a St. Damien fan. <$40 for the designated bottlings. Maybe on the fruitier side but so delicious. The rose is fantastic too.

Cheers,
fred

[Alan_Rath]

That might be a good recommendation, but it’s not Syrah…

[Brandon_R]

Why no love for Gigondas? I’m a St. Damien fan. <$40 for the designated bottlings. Maybe on the fruitier side but so delicious. The rose is fantastic too.

Cheers,
fred

Primarily because the OP wants something similar to Darioush Syrah. Most (all?) Gigondas aren’t a good comparison.

[Scott_E1]

+1 (based on OP’s descriptions) on K Vintners (non-Rocks), Tensley and Carlisle. Cheers!

[Don_Brazelton]

Unsure of what your access is, but you might try some from Western Australia/Margaret River.