Joyce Syrah, 2024, Arroyo Seco, Monterey County, California, US

 A French grape, California's coastal fog and just enough smoke to make things interesting.

About the wine

California Syrah with a French accent and a little smoke in its personality. Forget the big, jammy reds for a moment. This one has something rather different in mind.

Joyce Wine Co. calls Arroyo Seco home, a corner of California where chilly Pacific fog, strong coastal winds and rocky soils create some seriously interesting growing conditions. The region enjoys one of California's longest growing seasons, allowing grapes to develop plenty of flavour while keeping their natural freshness.

And this Syrah makes the most of it. The grapes come from Ventana Vineyard, where they're hand-picked and fermented with wild yeasts. Keeping 40% of the bunches whole adds savoury character and complexity, while nine months in neutral French oak lets the fruit do the talking. No fining, no filtration, just the wine as it was made.

Tasting notes

Juicy blackberries, dark cherries and smoky raspberries, with intriguing notes of peppered salami, applewood smoke, dried herbs and sweet tobacco. Savoury, fruit-packed and beautifully balanced, with a distinctly cool-climate character.

Food Suggestions

Rosemary lamb chops, smoky barbecue ribs, grilled sausages or slow-cooked beef cheeks. Its peppery, savoury side also makes it brilliant with mushroom dishes, charcuterie or a proper steak with peppercorn sauce.

About the winemaker

Joyce Winery was founded in 1986 by Russell Joyce's father, who planted a small vineyard in Carmel Valley, California. Russell, a self-taught winemaker, has since transformed the winery into a sustainable operation, recently expanding by acquiring and revitalising the old Ventana Winery in Soledad, all while adhering to organic and terroir-focused winemaking practices.