If you like this, try…
Wines like St Laurent
An Austrian red related to Pinot Noir, producing dark-cherry-scented wines of real finesse. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about St Laurent?
Optional — the results below already work without it. But “I like Malbec” is at least four different preferences wearing one name, and saying which one you mean changes the answer substantially. Only qualities this wine actually has are offered.
What these words mean
- The rich dark fruit
- Blackberry, plum, black cherry — fruit that tastes ripe and generous rather than tart. It comes from warm-climate ripening and it is what most people mean when they call a red "fruity".
- The bright red fruit
- Raspberry, redcurrant, sour cherry — lighter and sharper than dark fruit, usually from a cooler place or an earlier picking.
- How light it is
- A wine you can drink without it feeling like a commitment. Usually lower in alcohol as well as lighter in the mouth.
- How smooth and soft it is
- Low tannin. Tannin is the drying, gum-gripping sensation in red wine — like strong tea. A smooth red has little of it.
- That it is not oaky
- No barrel character — just the fruit and the acidity. Chablis and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc are the reference points.
- The earthy, mineral side
- Forest floor, wet stone, mushroom, damp earth. Widely described and much less well explained than wine writing implies — the sensation is real, the causal story usually is not.
Looking for something moving away from too light or thin and too plain or too simple.
Based on what you said
Ranked against the qualities you named rather than against the wine as a whole. The directions below are refined the same way.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Barossa Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Bolgheri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fruitier.
Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and spicier.
Barossa Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fruitier.
Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and spicier.
Barossa Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Change the structure
Same idea, different weight, grip or freshness.
Similar but lighter
Keeps the character but reduces weight, alcohol and density in the mouth.
Nothing in WineHQ's catalogue makes this move meaningfully from here. These are the closest wines otherwise, but do not expect them to deliver what you asked for — the honest answer is that this style does not have a good neighbour in that direction.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
Super Tuscan
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more herbal and green.
Bolgheri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more herbal and green.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fruitier.
Similar but lower in alcohol
Holds the character and the weight where it can, and moves specifically on strength. Note that below about 11% the choices narrow sharply, and below 5% they are mostly a different category rather than a lighter version of the same one.
Red Burgundy
Red Burgundy scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Pinot Noir
curatedA close genetic relative with a similar aromatic profile.
Expect: Lighter in colour and more delicate.
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)
Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir) scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Cru Beaujolais
Cru Beaujolais scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Amarone della Valpolicella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and spicier.
Barossa Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and spicier.
Bolgheri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more herbal and green.
Dalmatian Plavac Mali
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and spicier.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Barbera
Barbera scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Tawny Port
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Barossa Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more tannic and structured.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and spicier.
Petite Sirah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and spicier.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Barbera d’Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Bairrada Baga
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Barossa Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and spicier.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fruitier.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Sparkling Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and spicier.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and sweeter.
Port
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and sweeter.
Late Bottled Vintage Port
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and sweeter.
Tawny Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but less oaky
One of the commonest requests in wine. Strips oak influence while holding grape character and weight.
Nothing in WineHQ's catalogue makes this move meaningfully from here. These are the closest wines otherwise, but do not expect them to deliver what you asked for — the honest answer is that this style does not have a good neighbour in that direction.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fruitier.
Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and spicier.
Barossa Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Barossa Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and spicier.
Bolgheri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more herbal and green.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Syrah
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Barolo
Barolo scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to St Laurent across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Nothing in WineHQ's catalogue makes this move meaningfully from here. These are the closest wines otherwise, but do not expect them to deliver what you asked for — the honest answer is that this style does not have a good neighbour in that direction.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and spicier.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Barossa Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and broader and softer.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Argentine Malbec
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Petit Verdot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more tannic and structured.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Petite Sirah
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more tannic and structured.
Primitivo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and broader and softer.
Primitivo di Manduria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and spicier.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Change the mood
Safer, stranger, cheaper or more serious.
A safe next step
Well-known wines that are widely available and unlikely to surprise anyone.
Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and spicier.
Barossa Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more savoury.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fruitier.
Bolgheri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more herbal and green.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more tannic and structured.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and sweeter.
A better-value alternative
Wines that occupy similar sensory territory from regions carrying less price premium. WineHQ does not hold live prices, so this reasons from regional reputation and demand rather than from a price feed — treat it as a lead, not a quote.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fruitier.
Bolgheri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more herbal and green.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more tannic and structured.
Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and sweeter.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Amarone della Valpolicella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and spicier.
Barossa Shiraz
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and spicier.
Priorat
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more tannic and structured.
Each suggestion is scored across sixteen taste dimensions, weighted so that structure matters more than flavour, and adjusted for whether the wine actually moves in the direction you asked for. Curated links from an editor carry extra weight — but only when the editor tagged them for this direction. Nothing here is a black box; see the taste model for the full method.