When was the last time you opened a bottle of Syrah, the red that ranges from spicy and full-bodied to delicate and floral? This wine doesn’t nearly get the credit it deserves. The reputation of Syrah, one of the most widely planted grapes in the world, took a hit when inexpensive, jammy bottles from Australia flooded the American market in the 1980s and 90s. (There, the grape is often called Shiraz.) But Syrah has always had fans who understand that, in the hands of skilled producers, the nuanced grape can transform into some of the most satisfying wines on the market. It’s actually the top varietal for Wine Enthusiast writer-at-large Matt Kettmann, who reviews wines from California. “Even though I taste an endless array of stunning Pinot Noirs from across the Central Coast, I still proclaim Syrah to be my favorite red grape,” he recently wrote in Wine Enthusiast’s November print issue. You May Also Like: Hey Everyone—Syrah Doesn’t Suck Depending on how it’s made, Syrah will express different qualities. New World winemakers often go for brighter fruit, while classic French-style vintners play up the grape’s intensity to produce bold, earthy and savory flavors. The warming climate is also having an interesting effect on Syrah. “It’s easier to grow a juicy Syrah no matter where you are in the world: Paso, Northern Rhône, Australia and Tuscany,” says Wine Enthusiast Tasting Director Anna-Christina Cabrales. “You're getting really beautiful renditions of the variety with the essence of its local terroir. Producers are doing a good job in making Syrah really sexy, silky and easy to drink.” You May Also Like: Everything You Need to Know About Syrah As many Syrahs age, they mature into spicy, meaty wines. Our esteemed group of tasters kept that in mind in their selection of 11 Syrahs worth trying, which are listed below. “These wines are quite agreeable and will become even more seductive over time,” Cabrales says. “I firmly believe in ‘drinks well now, drinks well later,’ and many of the Syrahs I’ve been tasting are beautiful, which is reflected in the scores we’ve issued lately.” In the shop Wine Enthusiast Somm Universal Handblown Wine Glass In Stock | $34.99 Shop Now