2016 Myriad Cellars Halcon Vineyard Syrah

Myriad Cellars in St. Helena is owned and run by Mike and Leah Smith. Mike is an assistant winemaker to Thomas Brown, one of Napa’s most acclaimed winemakers. Mike also makes his own Myriad wines from grapes sourced from prominent area vineyards, including Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard and Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard. Myriad makes Cabernet Sauvignon and Semillon. The wines have received ratings in the mid- to high-90s from Wine Advocate and other reviews.

Mendocino AVA was established in 1984 and amended in 1989. It includes numerous sub-appellations. Mendocino AVA is entirely within Mendocino County, and the AVA is known for its Mediterranean climate. Vintners successfully grow Carignan, Charbono, Grenache, Zinfandel, Petit Sirah and Syrah. In cooler parts of the region Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are also grown. Mendocino County is home to nearly 600 vineyards, and many have been certified organic for decades, thanks to the region’s famous “green and sustainable” approach to agriculture and nearly everything else. Mendocino was named for 16th century explorers, a pair of brothers whose last name was Mendoza. Winemaking, however, didn’t start until the 19th century when some would-be gold miners decided it was more profitable to make wine than to pan for gold. Italian immigrants in the late 19th century continued to establish winemaking ventures.

This grape is grown in milder climates and produces a medium-to full-bodied wine. It is also known as Shiraz, but should not be confused with Petit Sirah, which was developed by crossing Syrah with Peloursin.