Barnard Griffin Syrah

Barnard Griffin Syrah is a Columbia Valley, Washington Syrah bottled at 13.8% ABV in a standard 750ml format. This Gold medal winner at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition has earned consistent praise for bridging the elegance of French Syrah with the expressive fruit character of Australian Shiraz — all without overblown alcohol.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.8%  |  Origin: Columbia Valley, Washington  |  Blend: 98% Syrah, 2% Cabernet Sauvignon  |  Winery: Barnard Griffin

Production & Heritage

Barnard Griffin Winery was founded in 1983 by winemaker Rob Griffin and Deborah Barnard in Washington's Columbia Valley, one of the state's most prolific and diverse growing regions. The Syrah draws fruit from Desert Aire Vineyard, a site recognized for producing some of the most expressive fruit flavors in Washington. The small addition of 2% Cabernet Sauvignon rounds out the blend, adding structure and depth to the finished wine.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Crushed flowers and blue fruit lead the nose, followed by layers of fresh herb, orange peel, and wet stone. There is an intriguing interplay between ripe dark fruit and earthy minerality.

Taste: The entry delivers ripe plum and huckleberry wrapped in a rich, dense texture. At mid-palate, savory herbal notes and tart berry acidity emerge alongside subtle citrus and earth tones. The overall impression is one of delicate styling with impressive balance — fruit-forward but never heavy.

Finish: The finish is long and complete, with hints of almond, cedar, and smoke lingering alongside mocha and milk chocolate barrel notes. Polished tannins recede into the background, leaving a clean, structured close.

How to Drink Barnard Griffin Syrah

This Syrah drinks well at cool room temperature, around 60–65°F, where its aromatic complexity fully opens up. A slight chill accentuates the wine's bright acidity and tart berry notes.

For cocktail-adjacent wine drinks, try it in a Kalimotxo (red wine and cola) where its dense fruit handles the sweetness without disappearing. It also works in a Red Wine Sangria — the plum and berry profile pairs naturally with sliced stone fruit and citrus. For cooler months, use it in a Mulled Wine, where its cedar, smoke, and mocha notes deepen beautifully with warm spices.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners with grilled meats or hearty stews
• Introducing someone to Washington State Syrah
• Building a value-driven cellar with age-worthy reds
• Bringing a crowd-pleasing bottle to a dinner party

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Barnard Griffin Syrah taste like? It delivers ripe plum, huckleberry, and blue fruit flavors supported by savory herbs, cedar, and mocha from barrel aging. The wine strikes a balance between fruit-driven richness and French-style structure with polished tannins and bright acidity.

How does Barnard Griffin Syrah compare to a bold Zinfandel? Critics have noted the wine's cellaring potential and ripe fruit profile draw stylistic parallels to a great Zinfandel, though the Syrah expresses more savory, herbal, and mineral complexity. Its tannin structure is typically more refined, and the overall impression leans cooler and more restrained than most Zinfandels at this price tier.

Is Barnard Griffin Syrah good for beginners? Yes — its lighter, fruit-forward style and moderate 13.8% ABV make it an approachable entry point for anyone exploring Syrah or Washington State reds in general.

Where is Barnard Griffin Syrah made? Barnard Griffin Winery is located in the Columbia Valley AVA of Washington State, one of the largest and most acclaimed wine regions in the Pacific Northwest. Fruit for the Syrah is sourced from Desert Aire Vineyard, known for exceptionally expressive fruit character.

What foods pair well with Barnard Griffin Syrah? Grilled lamb chops complement the wine's herbal and smoky notes. Braised short ribs match its dense texture and dark fruit. Roasted eggplant with tahini echoes the earthy, savory palate. Aged Gouda or smoked cheddar highlights the mocha and cedar nuances. Mushroom risotto pairs naturally with the wet stone minerality.

What sizes does Barnard Griffin Syrah come in? Barnard Griffin Syrah is available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Barnard Griffin Syrah worth the price? Barnard Griffin Syrah positions as a strong entry-level to mid-range Columbia Valley red, earning an 88-point score from Wine Spectator and multiple Gold medals at national competitions. For the price tier, the combination of balanced structure, aromatic complexity, and aging potential represents genuine value within Washington Syrah.

Why Barnard Griffin Syrah?

Rob Griffin has been making wine in Washington since before the Columbia Valley was widely recognized as world-class Syrah territory, and four decades of experience show in this bottling. The Desert Aire Vineyard source delivers a rare combination — refined acidity and structural elegance reminiscent of Northern Rhône Syrah alongside the bright, definitional fruit more commonly associated with Australian examples. Multiple Gold medals at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition across vintages confirm the wine's consistency. For drinkers seeking a Washington Syrah that prioritizes balance and detail over sheer power, this remains one of the most reliable bottles in the region.