A vibrant, cool-climate Syrah from California's Central Coast, showcasing the freshness, energy, and savory complexity that define Joyce Wine Company's minimalist, site-driven winemaking philosophy.

Region

California, United States

Accolades

94 Points – Wine Enthusiast (Editors’ Choice)
Praised for its balance, purity, and exceptional value

Small-lot, terroir-driven release from Joyce Wine Company highlighting cool-climate Syrah expression from Monterey County’s premier vineyard sites

Tasting Notes

A vibrant and beautifully lifted expression of cool-climate Syrah, this wine opens with aromatic layers of brambleberry, crushed violets, dried herbs, and subtle applewood smoke. The palate is energetic and precise, revealing juicy blackberry, black cherry, and charred raspberry, accented by cracked pepper, sweet tobacco, and savory spice. Silky tannins and bright acidity provide structure and drive, carrying the wine through a fresh, peppery, and mineral-laced finish. Elegant yet expressive, this Syrah delivers both immediacy and complexity.

Alcohol: 13.8%

Winemaker Notes

Aromas
Brambleberry, crushed violets, dried herbs, and subtle applewood smoke

Palate
Juicy blackberry, black cherry, and charred raspberry
Cracked pepper, sweet tobacco, and savory spice
Bright acidity with silky, structured tannins

Finish
Fresh, lifted, and peppery with lingering savory complexity

Winemaking

Sourced primarily from the Arroyo Seco AVA in Monterey County, with additional cool-climate vineyard influence from the Central Coast.

Fermented using native yeasts with approximately 60% whole-cluster inclusion to enhance aromatics and structure. Aged for around 9 months in neutral French oak to preserve purity of fruit and site expression. Bottled unfined and unfiltered for texture and authenticity.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Ideal with grilled lamb chops, smoked brisket, or barbecued pork shoulder. Also pairs beautifully with duck breast, wild mushroom dishes, and rustic flatbreads. Excellent alongside aged cheeses such as Gouda, Comté, or Manchego.

Why We Love It

What defines this Syrah is its balance of coastal freshness and savory Rhône-inspired complexity. The cool maritime influence of Monterey Bay, combined with rocky vineyard soils, produces fruit with natural acidity, lifted aromatics, and refined structure.

This is a Syrah that captures the Joyce philosophy perfectly—minimal intervention winemaking that prioritizes purity, transparency, and a true sense of place. The result is a wine that is both immediately enjoyable and quietly age-worthy, with remarkable finesse for its price and category.

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