Cheap Good Syrah/Shiraz

Named after the Stump Jump plow, with its uncanny ability to ride over stumps and eucalyptus roots, this Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2009 will jump over your expectations. The juicy, berry flavors and fine finish make this easily the best Shiraz under $10. Buy more than one bottle.

Winery: d’Arenberg Wines
Vintage: 2008
Type: Red
Variety: Shiraz
Region: McLaren Vale, Australia
Ratings: Wine Spectator- 90 Points

This blend of bold Austrialian Shiraz and fruity Cabernet Sauvignon yields a deliciously smooth blackcherry wine with hints of spice.

Vintage: 2009
Type: Red
Variety: Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon Blend
Region: South Eastern Australia

Dark, spicy and fruity on the nose with hints of pepper, this Malbec-Syrah blend is a good buy for under $15.

Winery: Dona Paula Estate
Vintage: 2009
Type: Red
Variety: Malbec-Syrah Blend
Region: Argentina
Ratings: The Wine Advocate – 88 Points

At $6.99 we are approaching bum wine territory, but this Syrah from the award winning Goose Ridge Vineyard in Washington is no 7-Eleven special. Pairs well with a heavy pasta and cheese meal, though I recommend a couple of hours in a decanter because this wine has a strong nose straight out of the bottle.

Winery: Goose Ridge Estate Vineyard
Vintage: 2005
Type: Red
Variety: Syrah
Region: Columbia Valley, Washington

Australian’s love their screw top wine, and who can really blame them? Sure it makes you look way less badass and not at all James Bond like, but you could open the bottle with your toes if necessary. Wolf Blass generally makes fantastic wines for the money and this is no exception, being probably the best screw top Shiraz around. Full bodied and pairs well with a big chunk of American red meat.

Winery: Wolf Blass
Vintage: 2006
Type: Red
Variety: Shiraz
Region: Australia

Don’t be fooled by the cheap price, as a gold medal winner in the 2007 California State Fair Wine Competition, the 2005 Smoking Loon Syrah definitely deserves a try. This mouth-filling, well rounded wine goes great with any type of barbeque, especially spicy dishes like Teriyaki Chicken.

Winery: Smoking Loon
Vintage: 2005
Type: Syrah
Region: California, USA
Ratings: THE WINE NEWS: 90 points
Price: $8.99

The 2002 Vina Robles Estate Syrah has an earthy nose supported by intense black fruits, with a dash of white pepper and vanilla. Spicy flavors of boysenberry, currants, and candied fruits are sure not to disapoint. Pairs perfectly with grilled meats, portabella mushrooms, and strong cheeses.

Winery: Vina Robles Winery Estate
Vintage: 2002
Type: Syrah
Region: Paso Robles, California
Ratings: SILVER MEDAL, 2006 Florida State Fair International Wine and Grape Competition
Price: $17.99

The full-bodied 2003 Alexander Valley Vineyards Syrah opens with beautiful aromas of ripe black cherry, boysenberry and black pepper. The same dark fruit flavors fill the palate and follow through to a long finish. An excellent accompaniment to red meats such as roasted lamb and steak.

Winery: Alexander Valley Vineyards
Vintage: 2003
Type: Syrah
Region: Sonoma County, California
Ratings: SILVER MEDAL, 2006 California State Fair Wine Competition
Price: $19.99