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California Syrah: top Monterey County wines

With a cooler climate and reputation for high-quality Pinot Noir, it is hardly surprising that Monterey County produces some exquisite, dense and velvety styles of Syrah. Matthew Luczy picks out eight wines from the Chalone and Santa Lucia Highlands AVAs to try.

Individual AVA analysis and top California Syrah from:

Sonoma County, Mendocino County, Napa County & Sierra Foothills, Santa Barbara County, Paso Robles & San Luis Obispo


Squarely in the middle of California‘s Central Coast, Monterey County has some of the coolest average temperatures in the state. Combined with below-average rainfall, this extends the growing season considerably, virtually eliminating pressure to pick before autumn storms.


Scroll down for Matthew Luczy’s top Monterey County Syrahs



Matthew Luczy’s top Monterey County Syrahs


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