Two Vineyards, Two Distinct Expressions of Syrah
At John Anthony Vineyards, Syrah is a powerful storyteller, highlighting how distinct vineyard sites shape structure, flavor, and balance. Two single-vineyard Syrahs—sourced from Crane Vineyard in the Oak Knoll District and Carneros Gap Vineyard in Los Carneros—offer a compelling exploration of place.
Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley
Spanning 4 acres in the foothills of Mount Veeder, Crane Vineyard holds special significance as the first vineyard leased and planted by John. Established with Merlot in 1996, the vineyard expanded with Syrah vines in 1999, a natural evolution shaped by the site’s cool temperatures and persistent coastal fog. Located in the western reaches of the Oak Knoll District, Crane Vineyard sits on a gravelly alluvial fan where soils and gentle contours favor elegance and balance. Daily fog from the Bay moderates temperatures, extending hang time and preserving freshness—hallmarks of red wines from this AVA. Fruit from this site defines the John Anthony Crane Vineyard Syrah, an expressive wine which the 2021 vintage recently earned 95 points from Lisa Perrotti Brown at the Wine Palate.
Los Carneros AVA
Perched in the rolling hills of Los Carneros, Carneros Gap Vineyard occupies a distinctive position directly influenced by the wind and fog from San Pablo Bay, allowing the berries to ripen slowly while developing deep concentration and vibrant acidity. This pristine 5-acre block was planted in 1996, and its now mature vines are marked by small berries that impart structure and yield bold, opulent wines brimming with intense black fruit flavors and exceptional aging potential. Sourced from this site is the John Anthony Carneros Gap Vineyard Syrah, the 2021 vintage earning 94 points by Lisa Perrotti Brown at the Wine Palate.
Together, these two Syrahs illustrate the remarkable versatility of terroir in Napa Valley. From the refined elegance and savory nuance of Crane Vineyard Syrah to the bold, wind-shaped intensity of Carneros Gap Vineyard Syrah, each wine offers a distinct expression of site while sharing a common commitment to balance, structure, and age-worthiness. Both sites are often contenders for inclusion in the prestigious John Anthony Reserve Syrah Program.
Discover Syrah by John Anthony Vineyards at the John Anthony Tasting Lounge in downtown Napa.