If you like this, try…
Wines like Washington Syrah
A distinctive American Syrah: savoury, smoky and often startlingly close to the northern Rhône in character. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Washington Syrah?
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 firm, grippy structure
- High tannin — the drying grip on your gums, like over-brewed tea. It gives a red something to hold on to with rich food, and it is what lets a wine age.
- The vanilla and oak
- Vanilla, toast, coconut, sweet spice, sometimes smoke. It comes from the barrel rather than the grape, which is why the same grape can taste completely different with and without it.
- The spice
- Black pepper, clove, cinnamon. Some of it is the grape — the pepper in Syrah is a measured compound called rotundone — and some is the barrel.
- The floral character
- Rose, violet, elderflower, orange blossom.
- 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.
- The savoury, meaty side
- Leather, olive, cured meat, dried herbs, tobacco. It is what people mean by calling a wine "serious" rather than "fruity", and it comes with age as well as with place.
Looking for something keeping the savoury, non-fruity character and the earthy, savoury-mineral character, while moving away from too floral or soapy, too drying or too tannic, too peppery and too savoury or funky.
- You said you like the savoury, non-fruity character and that it is too savoury or funky. Both are about savoury character, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
- You said you like the savoury, non-fruity character and that it is too savoury or funky. Both are about fruit intensity, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
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.
California Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Has some of the earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
New Zealand Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Has some of the earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
- Substantially less peppery.
- About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
Southern Rhône blend
Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Has some of the earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
- About as peppery as the wine you started from.
- A little less savoury or funky.
Jumilla Monastrell
Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- About as drying or too tannic as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less peppery.
- About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
Morgon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Has some of the earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
- Substantially less peppery.
- A little less savoury or funky.
Australian Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
- Has some of the earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
- Substantially less peppery.
- About as savoury or funky as the wine you started from.
Chilean Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Has some of the earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
- Substantially less peppery.
- A little less savoury or funky.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
- Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
- Has some of the earthy, savoury-mineral character, though less of it.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- About as drying or too tannic as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less peppery.
- A little less savoury or funky.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
California Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
New Zealand Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less floral.
Southern Rhône blend
Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
Jumilla Monastrell
Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more savoury.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
California Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
New Zealand Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less floral.
Morgon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
Australian Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less floral.
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.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.
Red Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.
País
País scores closest to Washington Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
Loire Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.
Loire Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
English still Pinot Noir
English still Pinot Noir scores closest to Washington Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more savoury.
Priorat
Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more savoury.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more tannic and structured.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
California Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
New Zealand Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less floral.
Southern Rhône blend
Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
California Rhône blend
Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less floral.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Priorat
Both are made from syrah, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more savoury.
Aglianico
Aglianico scores closest to Washington Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more restrained in fruit.
Brunello di Montalcino
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more savoury.
Madiran
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Oregon Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more savoury.
Red Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.
Loire Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more savoury.
Southern Rhône blend
Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
Jumilla Monastrell
Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more savoury.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more tannic and structured.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Washington Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Washington Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less spicy.
California Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and less floral.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Late Bottled Vintage Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less floral.
Vin Doux Naturel
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less floral.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less floral.
Sparkling Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.
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.
Frühburgunder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.
Piedirosso
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.
Broad-leaved Melnik
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more savoury.
Prokupac
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less floral.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more tannic and structured.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less floral.
Barossa Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more tannic and structured.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more savoury.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more savoury.
Cabernet Franc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Washington Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more floral.
Gamay
Gamay scores closest to Washington Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.
California Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
New Zealand Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Southern Rhône blend
Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
Jumilla Monastrell
Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less floral.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Cru Beaujolais
Cru Beaujolais scores closest to Washington Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less spicy.
Argentine Malbec
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Douro red
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more tannic and structured.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Washington Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
California Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
New Zealand Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more savoury.
Jumilla Monastrell
Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more tannic and structured.
Southern Rhône blend
Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Rioja Gran Reserva
Rioja Gran Reserva scores closest to Washington Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Chianti Classico Riserva
Chianti Classico Riserva scores closest to Washington Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less spicy.
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less spicy.
Taurasi
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
California Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
California Rhône blend
Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less floral.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more tannic and structured.
Primitivo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more fruit-driven.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
Same grape, somewhere else
Holds the variety constant and changes the place, which is often a bigger change than swapping the grape.
Southern Rhône blend
Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
Jumilla Monastrell
Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more savoury.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more savoury.
Bekaa Valley Red
Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more savoury.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
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.
Bekaa Valley Red
Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more savoury.
Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends
Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more savoury.
Southern Rhône blend
Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
Jumilla Monastrell
Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more savoury.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more savoury.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more tannic and structured.
Barossa Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more tannic and structured.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more tannic and structured.
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.
California Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
New Zealand Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less floral.
Southern Rhône blend
Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more savoury.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Jumilla Monastrell
Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more savoury.
Morgon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
Australian Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less floral.
Chilean Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
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.
Jumilla Monastrell
Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more savoury.
Morgon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
Australian Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less floral.
Chilean Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more savoury.
Ribera del Duero
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more savoury.
Priorat
Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more savoury.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, 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.