Syrah continues to captivate judges and consumers alike with its dynamic range — from dark, brooding powerhouses to elegant, spice-driven expressions. At the 2025 San Francisco International Wine Competition, this noble grape once again proved its versatility and depth. After rigorous blind tastings, one wine rose to the top, with two exceptional finalists showcasing the breadth of Syrah’s character.

The top honor for Best Syrah was awarded to Picchetti Winery’s 2023 Central Coast Syrah, a wine that delivered both varietal purity and irresistible drinkability. From the first swirl, the wine reveals inviting toasty notes layered over jammy dark fruit and tart spice. On the palate, it is textured and robust, yet beautifully composed. The balance between richness and structure gives way to a lingering finish that leaves a lasting impression. The judges praised its clarity of expression — a Syrah that confidently speaks to both its grape and its Central Coast origins.

Delicious, polished, and complete, this winning bottle exemplifies why Syrah remains a benchmark varietal for complexity and character.

While Picchetti Winery claimed the top spot, two finalists delivered compelling expressions that deeply impressed the judging panel and highlighted the diversity within the Syrah category. Each wine showcased a distinct stylistic interpretation of the varietal — from lush, inky richness to vibrant, classic structure — demonstrating both technical precision and a clear sense of identity. These standout bottlings earned their place among the competition’s best not only for balance and craftsmanship, but for their ability to express Syrah’s signature depth, aromatics, and textural appeal in uniquely memorable ways.

The Perrucci Family Vineyard 2022 Syrah stood out for its seamless structure and depth. Solid from beginning to end, it offers a long, satisfying finish. Aromatically expressive, the wine features dark and inky fruit with a touch of jamminess.

On the palate, silky tannins frame lush, full-bodied fruit, while subtle earthy notes emerge on the finish, adding complexity and intrigue. This Syrah strikes a beautiful balance between power and refinement, offering a rich yet composed drinking experience.

The Winery at La Grange 2022 Syrah impressed judges with its classic styling and lively personality. Juicy fruit notes are complemented by hints of licorice, creating a layered and expressive aromatic profile.

Rich and full on the palate, the wine maintains balanced acidity that keeps it fresh and energetic. The result is a delightful expression of Syrah — vibrant, well-crafted, and thoroughly enjoyable.

This competition's results underscore the remarkable versatility of Syrah. From robust and spice-driven to lush and fruit-forward, the category showcased wines that balance intensity with elegance. The 2025 competition highlighted not just technical excellence, but also distinct personalities in each bottle.

For enthusiasts seeking bold flavors, textured tannins, and layered aromatics, these top-performing Syrahs represent some of the finest examples recognized this year. Whether you gravitate toward the toasty, structured sophistication of the winner or the lush and classic expressions of the finalists, one thing is clear: Syrah is thriving — and the 2025 San Francisco International Wine Competition proved it in spectacular fashion.