The best Syrahs in the U.S. come from wineries in Washington State. Or at least a majority of them do. In particular, the far eastern appellations of Walla Walla and The Rocks District (the latter is technically over the border in eastern Oregon) are ground zero for sensational, dramatic, intense, no-holds-barred Syrah packed with a peppery bite. Here are three to buy now:
Wild red berries, cherry liqueur, grenadine, and black pepper. Elegant, rich, and super impressive. 94 pts KM
If you love Côte-Rôtie from the Rhône Valley, this is your wine. Howling with peppery gamey flavors. Ribbons of pure blackberry essence and sparks of minerals. Loads of personality. 94 pts KM
Not for the faint of heart. Powerful, forceful, and surging out of the starting gate at full speed. Full body and fully extracted. Lots of savory olive and green tobacco flavors with notes of bitter chocolate. 92 pts KM
