Andrew Syrah

Andrew Syrah is a full-bodied Paso Robles red wine made from 90% Syrah and 10% Petite Sirah, bottled at 13.9% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Sourced entirely from the CCOF Organic-certified Andrew Vineyard in the Creston District, this wine earned 92 points from Wine Enthusiast on its 2023 vintage — a strong endorsement for a value-tier California Syrah grown under certified sustainable and organic practices.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.9%  |  Origin: Paso Robles, California  |  Vintage: 2023  |  Producer: STEL+MAR / Andrew Wine

Production & Heritage

Andrew Wine is a 74% female-owned, family-run operation under the STEL+MAR label, committed to organic and sustainable viticulture. Grapes are grown in sandy loam soils in Paso Robles' Creston District using CCOF Organic and SIP Certified farming, with 100% solar-powered production. The Syrah and Petite Sirah components are fermented separately in small stainless steel tanks, then blended only after nine months of aging in American oak — an approach designed to preserve each variety's distinct aromatics while building cohesive structure and depth.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with deep cassis and ripe blackberry, layered with floral lilac and herbal notes. A pronounced peppery spice emerges alongside subtle hints of meat and cocoa, reflecting classic Paso Robles Syrah character.

Taste: On entry, dark fruit dominates — ripe blackberry, blueberry, and plum coat the palate with a juicy, full-bodied intensity. The mid-palate introduces cracked black pepper and toasted vanilla from the American oak aging, while the Petite Sirah component adds color and muscular structure. Well-integrated acidity keeps the wine lively and balanced against sturdy, youthful tannins.

Finish: Long and velvety, with lingering notes of dried fig, cola, and toasted oak. The tannins hold firm through the finish, leaving a spicy, savory impression that invites another sip.

How to Drink Andrew Syrah

This wine drinks well at cellar temperature (60–65°F) and benefits from 15–20 minutes of breathing time, either poured into a large-bowled glass or briefly decanted. It is bold enough to stand on its own as a sipping wine but has the fruit intensity and structure to anchor food-forward occasions. For a simple warm-weather serve, a slight chill to 62°F tames the alcohol and lifts the peppery aromatics. In cocktails and wine-based drinks, its dark fruit and spice profile works in a Kalimotxo (equal parts red wine and cola) where the cola note in the finish creates a natural bridge, a red wine sangria built with blackberry and citrus to amplify the existing fruit, or a wine spritzer with sparkling water and a twist of orange peel for a lighter pour.

Best For

• Weeknight grilling — its smoky, peppery profile pairs naturally with charred meats
• Introducing someone to Paso Robles Syrah without a steep price commitment
• Stocking a dinner party with a crowd-pleasing, organically grown red
• Gifting a wine drinker who values sustainability and certified organic production

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Andrew Syrah taste like? Andrew Syrah delivers bold, ripe flavors of blackberry, blueberry, and plum accented by cracked black pepper, cocoa, and toasted vanilla from American oak aging. It is full-bodied, juicy, and structured with sturdy tannins and a long, velvety finish.

How does Andrew Syrah compare to Josh Cellars Syrah? Both are widely available California Syrahs in a similar price range, but Andrew Syrah distinguishes itself with CCOF Organic-certified grapes from a single Paso Robles vineyard and a 92-point Wine Enthusiast rating. Josh Cellars sources from broader California appellations and tends toward a softer, more approachable style with less of the peppery intensity found in Andrew.

Is Andrew Syrah good for sipping neat? Yes — its full body, layered dark fruit, and integrated tannins make it a satisfying wine to drink on its own, especially after a few minutes of breathing time to open up the floral and spice aromatics.

Where is Andrew Syrah made? Andrew Syrah is produced by STEL+MAR (marketed as Andrew Wine) from fruit grown at the CCOF Organic-certified Andrew Vineyard in the Creston District of Paso Robles, on California's Central Coast. Farming and production are 100% solar-powered.

What foods pair well with Andrew Syrah? Grilled lamb chops benefit from the wine's black pepper and herbal notes. Smoked brisket matches the meaty, bold structure. Hard aged cheeses like Manchego echo the toasty oak. Dark chocolate desserts complement the cocoa undertones. Roasted eggplant or portobello mushrooms work for a vegetarian pairing, playing off the wine's earthy depth.

What sizes does Andrew Syrah come in? Andrew Syrah is available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Andrew Syrah worth the price? Andrew Syrah positions as a value-tier Paso Robles red that punches above its weight — a 92-point Wine Enthusiast score and CCOF Organic certification are uncommon at this price level, making it a strong buy for drinkers seeking quality and sustainability without a premium markup.

Why Andrew Syrah?

What separates Andrew Syrah from the crowded field of California Syrahs at this price point is its combination of certified organic farming, single-vineyard sourcing, and critical recognition. The 92 points from Wine Enthusiast confirm that the quality reaches well beyond the price tag. Fermenting the Syrah and Petite Sirah separately before blending after aging is a deliberate winemaking choice that preserves varietal character while building a more complex, layered wine. For anyone seeking a bold, peppery Paso Robles Syrah from a solar-powered, female-majority-owned operation — with the scores to back it up — Andrew Syrah delivers substance over marketing.