Team C&J
Syrah might not be the first grape you associate with Mexico, but if you haven’t explored Baja’s Valle de Guadalupe, you’re missing out on some serious surprises. The 2017 Casta de Vinos Casta Tinta Syrah is one of those wines that makes you stop and take notice. It’s bold, smoky, and packed with dark fruit, but what really stands out is the balance. There’s power here, but also a refinement that keeps everything in check. If you last tasted this wine a few years ago, it has only improved with time. At $33, it’s a fantastic value for a Syrah with this level of depth and character.
Casta de Vinos is a boutique winery making waves in Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico’s premier wine region. Founded in 2010, the winery focuses on small-batch production, emphasizing quality over quantity. With an annual output of around 3,200 cases, Casta de Vinos isn’t chasing mass production—it’s all about letting the unique Baja terroir shine through in each bottle.
The region’s warm days and cool nights help develop concentrated flavors while preserving acidity, and the sandy loam soil of Crane Valley gives the vines excellent drainage, pushing them to work harder and produce intensely flavored fruit. At just 350 meters above sea level, the vineyard benefits from gentle breezes that keep the grapes healthy and vibrant.
Casta de Vinos is gaining recognition for crafting wines that strike a balance between Old World structure and New World ripeness. With a strong focus on traditional winemaking methods but a willingness to experiment, this winery is carving out a name for itself in Mexico’s growing wine scene.
Behind Casta de Vinos are Claudia Horta and Sergio Castañeda Piña, the winemaking duo who bring both experience and passion to the craft. Their approach is all about minimal intervention, allowing the natural characteristics of the grape and terroir to take center stage. They take Syrah seriously, crafting a wine that captures both the robust intensity of the varietal and the subtle nuances that make it intriguing.
By keeping alcohol levels moderate and focusing on well-integrated tannins, Horta and Castañeda Piña have created a Syrah that’s full-bodied but not overwhelming. Their dedication to small-batch production means every step of the winemaking process is carefully managed, from the vineyard to the bottle. The result? A Syrah that stands out in a region more commonly associated with blends.
In the glass, this wine is a deep ruby with high viscosity, clinging to the sides of the glass as you swirl it. It’s clear and vibrant, hinting at the richness to come.
Right away, the aromas are pronounced and inviting. Cigar box and smoke take the lead, giving the wine a slightly savory, almost brooding character. Beneath that, layers of black currant, blackberry, and boysenberry provide a deep fruit core. There’s a touch of licorice and cedar as well, adding complexity and warmth.
This Syrah is bold but well-structured, with a dry profile and a full body that coats the palate. The first sip brings a rush of black currant and blackberry, followed by notes of tobacco, cedar, and black pepper. There’s a cooling hint of mint in the background, adding freshness, while clove and olive lend a slightly earthy, savory quality.
The tannins are medium—present but smooth—giving the wine structure without making it overly grippy. Acidity sits at medium-minus, making for a plush, round mouthfeel. Alcohol is medium-plus, adding warmth without overpowering the balance. The finish is long and lingers with echoes of spice, smoke, and dark fruit.
Decanting for about 30 minutes helps this wine open up, allowing the smoky and spicy notes to soften slightly and the fruit to take center stage. Served in a large Bordeaux glass, it has room to express all of its complexity.
The 2017 Casta de Vinos Casta Tinta Syrah is a compelling example of Valle de Guadalupe’s ability to produce serious, age-worthy wines. This isn’t just a big, bold red—it’s a Syrah with layers of flavor, structure, and a sense of place.
At $33, it offers great value, delivering depth and balance that rivals more expensive Syrahs from traditional wine regions. With a 93-point rating from the Cork and Journey panel, it’s clear that this wine has left an impression. While it’s drinking beautifully now, a little time in the glass (or a short decant) makes all the difference, revealing even more complexity.
If you’re looking for a Syrah that’s both powerful and refined, this one is worth a spot in your glass. Whether paired with grilled meats, aged cheeses, or simply enjoyed on its own, it’s a wine that delivers a truly satisfying experience.
Mexico
Valle de Guadalupe
Syrah
13.9
Claudia Horta & Sergio Castañeda Piña
62–68°F / 16–20°C
Large Bordeaux
30 Min
Now
Casta de Vinos
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