2016 Anthill Farms Peters Vineyard Syrah

Anthill Farms in Healdsburg, California, was started by three young winemakers who met when they worked together at Williams Selyem. Anthony Filiberti, David Low and Webster Marquez decided to make their own single-vineyard Pinot Noirs, and their debut release was in 2004. They quickly gained a cult following at famous restaurants in the Bay Area, and Anthill now produces 1,500 cases a year. Though Anthill is best known for Pinot Noir, it also makes a Syrah.

Sonoma County is not an AVA, but it is a commonly used informal designation for wines made outside of more specific AVAs within Sonoma, which is a large wine producing region just west of Napa Valley. Though Sonoma is often overshadowed by its glamorous neighbor Napa Valley, it has a long history of wine production. The area specialized in jug wine until the mid-20th century, when Sonoma producers took a cue from Napa and started improving quality. Unlike Napa, where Cabernet Sauvignon is king, Sonoma specialized in Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Zinfandel, though excellent Cabs are produced too. There are at present 16 AVAs within Sonoma County, and, like much of the West Coast of the United States, new AVAs are created in Sonoma County with regularity. Some Sonoma appellations, such as the Russian River Valley, are renowned for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

This grape is grown in milder climates and produces a medium-to full-bodied wine. It is also known as Shiraz, but should not be confused with Petit Sirah, which was developed by crossing Syrah with Peloursin.