Gregory Graham Syrah Red Hills Lake County

Gregory Graham Syrah Red Hills Lake County — Volcanic Soils, Bold Personality

A Syrah Born from Volcanic Hills

Nestled in the rugged slopes of Lake County’s Red Hills AVA, Gregory Graham’s estate vineyard sits on striking red volcanic soils at elevations up to 2,300 feet. After years of crafting acclaimed wines for other California producers, Gregory Graham set out to make small-lot wines that fully express this unique terroir under his own name.

His Red Hills Syrah is a pure, site-driven wine — brimming with power, finesse, and the unmistakable stamp of the land it comes from. If you love Syrah with serious structure and layers of savory complexity, this Lake County gem deserves a spot in your glass.

Vineyards with a View

Crimson Hill Vineyard, where this Syrah is grown, benefits from warm days and cool nights at high elevation, creating perfect ripening conditions for Syrah. The region’s distinctive volcanic soils naturally stress the vines, leading to small berries packed with intense flavor and minerality. This rugged environment gives Gregory Graham Syrah its unmistakable dark fruit, smoky spice, and earthy backbone.

Grapes are carefully hand-harvested at peak ripeness, then fermented in small batches. The wine is aged in oak to develop texture and subtle layers of toast and spice, all without masking the fruit’s natural vibrancy.

Tasting Notes — Rich, Dark, and Delicious

Appearance: Deep garnet-purple, showing Syrah’s classic inky allure.

Aroma: Bold aromas leap from the glass: ripe blackberry, dark plum, and blueberry mingle with notes of black pepper, smoked meat, cocoa, and a hint of leather. There’s an underlying earthiness that hints at the volcanic soils.

Palate: Lush and full-bodied yet balanced. Dark berry flavors dominate, complemented by savory notes of black olive tapenade, pepper, and a gentle oak touch of vanilla and spice. The tannins are well-structured but polished, creating a smooth mouthfeel that leads to a lingering, smoky finish.

Finish: Long and satisfying, leaving traces of dark fruit, subtle smoke, and savory spice dancing on the palate.

What Critics and Fans Say

While this Syrah is a small-production wine, it consistently earns enthusiastic praise for delivering the bold character of Syrah with the elegance typical of California’s cooler high-elevation sites. Wine lovers appreciate its depth, food-friendliness, and distinctive minerality — all hallmarks of Red Hills Lake County’s volcanic terroir.

Food Pairing & Serving Tips

Gregory Graham Syrah is a versatile partner for hearty dishes and bold flavors. Serve slightly below room temperature, around 60–65°F, and allow it to breathe for 30 minutes to unlock its full aromatic range.

Perfect pairings include:

• Grilled lamb chops with rosemary and garlic

• Smoked brisket or slow-cooked short ribs

• Herb-roasted game meats like venison or duck

• Mushroom risotto with black pepper and parmesan

• Aged cheeses, especially sharp cheddar or gouda

A Syrah with this structure can also complement rich vegetarian dishes — try it with eggplant parmesan or a lentil stew spiced with smoked paprika.

Why This Syrah Belongs in Your Collection

• Volcanic soul: Red Hills volcanic soils impart mineral depth and a subtle smoky edge.

• Crafted with care: Small-batch winemaking keeps the focus on purity and terroir expression.

• Bold yet balanced: Rich dark fruit meets savory spice in perfect harmony.

• A hidden gem: Offers Napa-level character without the Napa price tag — exceptional value for California Syrah lovers.

Drink Now or Hold

Gregory Graham Syrah Red Hills Lake County is ready to drink now with a short decant to soften its youthful tannins, but it also has the structure to develop beautifully over the next 3–5 years. Expect more earthy, savory notes to emerge with age while retaining its luscious fruit core.