Professional Ratings
| Critic / Competition |
Score |
| Tasting Panel Magazine |
92 points |
| Wine Enthusiast |
88 points |
| Winemaker Challenge International Wine Competition |
92 points & Gold Medal |
| San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo International Wine Competition |
Double Gold Medal & Top of Class |
| Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo International Wine Competition |
Gold Medal |
Blend & Winemaking
- 97% Syrah, 3% Viognier
- Aged 18 months in French oak (25% new barrels)
- 14.0% ABV
- Produced in the traditional Côte-Rôtie style, where a small amount of Viognier enhances aromatics and texture.
Professional Tasting Notes
Wine Enthusiast (88 pts)
Dark and spicy, with aromas of blackberry, anise, and cinnamon. The palate shows mixed berry coulis, cocoa powder, caramel, herbs, and violets. Recommended with grilled ribs.
Tasting Panel (92 pts)
Described as silky and elegant, featuring blackberry and plum fruit, bacon fat, cracked peppercorn, dried lavender, and Rhône-inspired savory complexity.
Winery Notes
Deep purple color with aromas of plum, black cherry, vanilla, oak, and violets. Flavors of blackberry, black cherry, plum, white pepper, and vanilla lead to a structured, dry finish.
Overall Review
This is a classic California cool-climate-inspired Syrah that balances ripe Sonoma fruit with savory Rhône-style characteristics. The addition of Viognier lifts the floral notes and softens the tannins without diminishing Syrah's dark-fruited intensity. Compared with many richer California Syrahs, it leans toward elegance rather than sheer power.
Strengths
- Attractive blackberry, plum, and black cherry fruit
- Pepper, violet, and smoked-meat complexity
- Balanced oak integration
- Excellent value around the mid-$20 range
Drinking Window
- Drink now: Yes
- Optimal: 2025–2030
- Decanting for 30–60 minutes improves aromatic expression and texture.
Food Pairings
Excellent with:
- Grilled lamb chops
- Smoked brisket
- Pork tenderloin
- Ribeye steak
- Mushroom ragù
- Eggplant dishes
Bottom Line
Professional score consensus: approximately 90–92 points. Wine Enthusiast was somewhat less enthusiastic at 88 points, but competition judges and Tasting Panel rated it notably higher. For under $30, the 2020 AVV Syrah delivers a compelling combination of ripe fruit, peppery spice, floral lift, and Rhône-inspired character.
Winery Information
In 1994 Hank Wetzel purchased Syrah grapes from a good friend and we produced the first Alexander Valley Vineyards Syrah. That first Syrah led us to start planting Rhone varietals on our family-owned property in 1995. Today, we are well known for our rich and aromatic Syrah.
The 2020 growing season enjoyed near-perfect growing conditions. The year began with un- seasonably warm temperatures, and lower than normal rainfall. This was followed by weeks of steady daytime heat and cool evenings, allowing the grapes to ripen evenly. At harvest, the quality of the fruit was excellent with high acidity and intense flavors.
At the winery the Syrah was destemmed and cold-soaked to retain the bright berry flavors and stabilize the color. The Viognier received a gentle press, then was fermented in neutral French oak barrels. The two varietals were barrel aged separately for 18 months, then blended prior to bottling.
The 2020 Syrah is a deep purple wine with rich aromas of plum, black cherry, vanilla, oak and violets. The vintage has big flavors of blackberry, black cherry, plum, white pepper and vanilla. In a nod to its Rhone heritage, our Syrah has the classic floral notes and a dry structured finish.
