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 peppery, spicy character and the earthy, savoury-mineral character, while moving away from too peppery and too floral or soapy.
- You said you like the peppery, spicy character and that it is too peppery. Both are about spice, 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.
Jumilla Monastrell
Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Priorat
Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Brunello di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Taurasi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Bekaa Valley Red
Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
- About as peppery as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of the peppery, spicy character, though less of it.
- Keeps the earthy, savoury-mineral character.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Jumilla Monastrell
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 less floral, and broader and softer.
Priorat
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 less floral, and more tannic and structured.
Brunello di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Brunello di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Taurasi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
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 floral, and less tannic and softer.
Red Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Australian Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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 floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less tannic and softer.
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 cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Loire Cabernet Franc
Loire Cabernet Franc 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 fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Priorat
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 less floral, and more tannic and structured.
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 less floral, and spicier.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less floral.
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 less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
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 structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Brunello di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Priorat
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 less floral, and fuller and richer.
Taurasi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Red Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less tannic and softer.
Brunello di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Taurasi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
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 less floral, and spicier.
Jumilla Monastrell
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 less floral, and leaner and more cutting.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and leaner and more cutting.
Tempranillo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Sparkling Shiraz
Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Washington Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less floral.
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.
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 stiller, and less floral.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Pinotage
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Sagrantino
Sagrantino scores closest to Washington Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
Montefalco Sagrantino
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
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.
Broad-leaved Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends
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 less floral, and spicier.
Saperavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Pinotage
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more aromatic.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less tannic and softer.
Nebbiolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more aromatic.
Barbaresco
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less spicy.
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.
Jumilla Monastrell
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 less floral, and more aromatic.
Priorat
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 less floral, and more aromatic.
Brunello di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more aromatic.
Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more aromatic.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Barolo
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more aromatic.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Washington Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more aromatic.
Douro red
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Barbaresco
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and less spicy.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Brunello di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Jumilla Monastrell
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 less floral, and broader and softer.
Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Priorat
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 less floral, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Taurasi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Brunello di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
Chianti Classico Riserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
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.
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 less floral, and spicier.
New Zealand Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from syrah, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less floral.
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.
Jumilla Monastrell
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 less floral, and broader and softer.
Priorat
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 less floral, and more tannic and structured.
Bekaa Valley Red
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 less floral, and spicier.
Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends
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.
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 the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends
Both are made from syrah, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and spicier.
Priorat
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 less floral, and fuller and richer.
Jumilla Monastrell
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 less floral, and softer and rounder.
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 less floral, and spicier.
Priorat
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 less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less floral.
Barossa Shiraz
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less floral.
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.
Priorat
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 less floral, and more tannic and structured.
Brunello di Montalcino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
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 less floral, and spicier.
Red Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Jumilla Monastrell
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 less floral, and broader and softer.
Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Taurasi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
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 the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Taurasi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Mourvèdre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Priorat
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 less floral, and more tannic and structured.
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 less floral, and spicier.
Ribera del Duero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and less floral.
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.