Syrah is renowned throughout the Rhône Valley in France, famous across Australia (Shiraz) and continues to grow in popularity in California. So imagine my surprise when I pulled the cork on a varietal Syrah from Ohio. You read correctly, Ohio! The Syrah hails from Kinkead Ridge Vineyard and Winery, located in Ripley, Ohio. I’ve raved about their wines before, and tonight, I showcase their estate Syrah.
The Kinkead Ridge 2008 Syrah showed a deep ruby red hue in glass with wild berries, pepper and spice on the nose – and a subtle hint of smoke that lingers after the first swirl.
In the mouth, blackberry, plum, vanilla, cloves and tobacco flavors shine through. A balanced, medium-bodied wine with great acidity and refined tannins, making this age-worthy Syrah a perfect match with dinner.
Only 194 cases were produced, and at $19.95, Kinkead Ridge delivers one of the best quality to price ratio Syrahs in the United States. Once again, Kinkead Ridge has proven that Ohio has the terroir (and talent) to produce world-class wines. Cheers!
Kinkead Ridge cork photo by Megan Nadolski.
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I call this the “oxymoron” wine because you don’t expect to hear Ohio and Syrah in the same sentence! It’s a monster to manage in our humid climate. It won an Award of Merit at the Jefferson Cup Invitational. It was not entered into any other competitions due to the small production.
Hi Nancy,
Are there more wineries in Ohio growing and producing a varietal Syrah? I would think you’re the exception rather than the rule. You should check out Black Ankle’s Leaf-Stone Syrah in Maryland. I think you’ll be impressed. Cheers!
This was quite good- very hard to grow a Syrah grape in KY and although this was not straight Syrah it was still very very good. Would like to see them make a Norton as that is easily grown here. In any case they were were very nice. I strongly support any winery that DOIES NOT import grapes from another state. Can’t wait to try next years Syrah.
Thanks