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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.
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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 savoury, non-fruity character.
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.
Northern Rhône Syrah
curatedThe style Washington Syrah is most often compared to.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
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 savoury, non-fruity character.
Syrah
Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Swartland Syrah and Rhône blends
Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Mavrud
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Languedoc red
Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Fetească Neagră
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Hawke’s Bay Syrah
Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps the peppery, spicy character.
- Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Northern Rhône Syrah
curatedThe style Washington Syrah is most often compared to.
Expect: More restrained in fruit, with a longer track record.
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 broader and softer.
Syrah
Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and softer and rounder.
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 more herbal and green, and less floral.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Mavrud
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.
Fetească Neagră
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and broader and softer.
Amarone della Valpolicella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Dalmatian Plavac Mali
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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 less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
Red Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less floral.
Australian Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
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 less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
Mondeuse Noire
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less oaky.
Trousseau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.
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, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
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 fruitier, and more herbal and green.
Dalmatian Plavac Mali
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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 spicy, and less floral.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Southern Rhône blend
Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and more herbal and green.
Rioja Gran Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
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 more fruit-driven, and fruitier.
Chilean Carmenère
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more herbal and green.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Mavrud
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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 spicy, and less floral.
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 more savoury, and less spicy.
Aglianico
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
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 less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
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 spicy, and broader and softer.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less floral.
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 more savoury, and less spicy.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
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 fruitier, and more herbal and green.
Dalmatian Plavac Mali
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Languedoc red
Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and less floral.
Syrah
Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be leaner and more cutting, and more aromatic.
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 more fruit-driven, and less spicy.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco scores closest to Washington Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Washington Syrah across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more fruit-driven.
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 stiller, and less floral.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Amarone della Valpolicella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Tawny Port
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and less tannic and softer.
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 spicy, and less floral.
Vintage Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, 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.
Broad-leaved Melnik
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
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 fruitier, and more oaky.
Cornalin
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Languedoc red
Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more herbal and green.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
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 spicy, and less oaky.
Rioja
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
Rioja Reserva
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less spicy.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
Malbec
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, 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.
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 more aromatic, 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 more aromatic, and more herbal and green.
Mavrud
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and broader and softer.
Languedoc red
Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more herbal and green.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Hawke’s Bay Syrah
Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Nebbiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more restrained in fruit.
Douro red
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and more neutral and subtle.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less spicy.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Amarone della Valpolicella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Australian Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and less floral.
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 broader and softer.
Blaufränkisch
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less floral.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Northern Rhône Syrah
curatedThe style Washington Syrah is most often compared to.
Expect: More restrained in fruit, with a longer track record.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.
Taurasi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less spicy.
Barolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and less spicy.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
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 fruitier, and more herbal and green.
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 fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
Amarone della Valpolicella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Dalmatian Plavac Mali
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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.
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 broader and softer.
Syrah
Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and softer and rounder.
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 more herbal and green, and less floral.
Languedoc red
Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and less floral.
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 softer and rounder, and fuller and richer.
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 more herbal and green, and softer and rounder.
Northern Rhône Syrah
curatedThe style Washington Syrah is most often compared to.
Expect: More restrained in fruit, with a longer track record.
Hawke’s Bay Syrah
Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
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 fruitier, and more herbal and green.
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 spicy, and fresher and more acidic.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
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 fruitier, and more fruit-driven.
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.
Syrah
Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and softer and rounder.
Northern Rhône Syrah
curatedThe style Washington Syrah is most often compared to.
Expect: More restrained in fruit, with a longer track record.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
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 fruitier, and more herbal and green.
Amarone della Valpolicella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
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 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 more herbal and green, and less floral.
Mavrud
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.
Languedoc red
Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, 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.
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 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 more herbal and green, and less floral.
Mavrud
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.
Languedoc red
Both are made from syrah, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, 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 the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more herbal and green.
Amarone della Valpolicella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
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 spicy, and less floral.
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 spicy, 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.