Best valueBallard Canyon · Santa Barbara
Kimsey Syrah 2020
California cool-climate Syrah at its peppery, savory best — black olive, smoked meat, blueberry. Drinks like Northern Rhône for half the price.
View on Wine.comRed wine· Rhône Valley, Australia, California
What does Syrah / Shiraz taste like?
Syrah (called Shiraz in Australia) is bold, peppery, and unmistakable. Expect dark fruit, smoked meat, and a signature kick of cracked black pepper that sets it apart from every other red.
At a glance
The breakdown
Everything that shapes how Syrah / Shiraz tastes, in plain language.
Fruit
01Dark and brooding: blackberry, blueberry, sometimes black plum.
Body
02Full
Acidity
03Medium
Tannins
04Medium-High
Flavor profile
- Blackberry and blueberry
- Black pepper (the signature note)
- Smoked meat and bacon
- Olive and licorice
- Chocolate (in Aussie Shiraz)
Who will like it
Bold red drinkers who want a wine with character — savory, spicy, and a little wild.
On the nose
Common aromas
Smell these in your glass? You're probably tasting Syrah / Shiraz.
BlackberryBlack pepperBaconSmokeVioletLicorice
In plain English
“Take a bite of pepper-crusted steak. That savory, spicy, slightly smoky vibe? That's Syrah. It's the most savory of the big reds.”
At the table
Food pairings
Syrah / Shiraz works best with these foods.
- 01Barbecue and brisket
- 02Lamb with rosemary
- 03Sausages
- 04Hard cheeses
- 05Black pepper steak
Useful gear
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The cellar
Bottles of Syrah / Shiraz we recommend
Hand-picked bottles from across the price spectrum — from approachable everyday pours to occasion-worthy splurges. Links go to Wine.com; we may earn a small commission on purchases at no extra cost to you.
Editor's choiceNorthern Rhône · France
Laurent Fayolle Crozes-Hermitage Rouge 2023
Old-school Northern Rhône Syrah — cracked pepper, violets, and brambly fruit. The bottle to reach for when you want to taste why French Syrah set the standard.
View on Wine.comBeyond the page
Don't just read about Syrah / Shiraz. Taste it.
Corkly's AI sommelier guides you through every sip — pointing out aromas, explaining the texture, and helping you put words to what you're tasting. Build your palate one wine at a time.
- 01Conversational tasting tailored to Syrah / Shiraz
- 02Save tasting notes you'll actually understand later
- 03Track your palate growth over time
- 04Never forget a wine you loved
Adjacent
Similar wines
If you enjoy Syrah / Shiraz, these are worth exploring next.
Malbec
Malbec is a juicy, full-bodied red wine bursting with dark fruit and a smooth, plummy finish. Think blackberry jam meets a hint of cocoa, with soft tannins that make it approachable from the first sip.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is the king of bold reds: rich, structured, and built to age. Expect dark fruit like blackcurrant and blackberry, layered with notes of cedar, tobacco, and a firm tannic grip.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel is California's bold, jammy red — full of ripe berries, sweet spice, and a touch of black pepper. It's the wine equivalent of barbecue: big, fun, and unmistakably American.
A natural next step
If you liked Syrah / Shiraz, try…
Malbec
Malbec is a juicy, full-bodied red wine bursting with dark fruit and a smooth, plummy finish. Think blackberry jam meets a hint of cocoa, with soft tannins that make it approachable from the first sip.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel is California's bold, jammy red — full of ripe berries, sweet spice, and a touch of black pepper. It's the wine equivalent of barbecue: big, fun, and unmistakably American.
Tempranillo
Tempranillo is Spain's signature red — savory, leathery, and full of cherry and tobacco. With age, it gains beautiful notes of dill, vanilla, and dried fig from American oak.
In the wild
Where to find this wine
Rhône Valley (France) for elegant, peppery Syrah. Barossa Valley (Australia) for bold, fruity Shiraz.
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The closing pour
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