Wine · Medium strength

Syrah

Black pepper, smoke, and dark fruit — the Rhône's brooding heavyweight.

How to order it: Northern Rhône for savory, Australia (as Shiraz) for power. Decant either.

Flavor profile

Sweetness3
Bitterness4
Strength6
Freshness1
Richness9
Sparkle0
Daring5

The proper serve

  • Serve at 60–65°F
  • Large-bowl red glass
  • Decant an hour for young bottles
  • Pairs: barbecue, game, pepper steak
  • Northern Rhône = savory; Australia = bold
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Adjacent pours

Cabernet Sauvignon

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Rioja Reserva

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Tempranillo aged in American oak — vanilla, dried cherry, and Spanish patience.

Malbec

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Plush, plummy, and unmistakably Argentine — the steakhouse's house red.