2021 Vina Verraco Syrah Valle de San Vicente 750 ml

The 2021 Vina Verraco Syrah Valle de San Vicente is a dark-fruited dynamo—and a one-bottle argument for the historic yet largely untapped Mexican wine region of Baja California.

Wine has been made in Baja since the 17th century and was once so prized that the Spanish government had to ban its production to avoid competition. Now, young and talented winemakers are tapping into the immense natural potential of the region, which has terroir that can compete with the best in California.

Baja has been capturing the hearts and palates of top sommeliers across the country, and we’ve been so enchanted we visit at least once a year. The area reminds us of Napa in the 1970s: a place with limitless potential, a burning spirit of innovation, and a tightly knit community of quality-minded producers.

When you go, you have to eat at Fauna restaurant, which won the “One to Watch” award from the 50 Best Restaurants group a few years ago. It’s a temple of gastronomy, with one of the most comprehensive lists of Baja wines we’ve ever had the pleasure of paging through. We first tried Viña Verraco’s Syrah on the recommendation of the sommelier there—and then set about working tirelessly to bring it into the States.

Viña Verraco is led by star winemaker Lulu Martinez Ojeda. She grew up in the area but made her name at Margaux Grand Cru Classé Château Brane-Cantenac, and she merges all her classical training with Baja’s adventurous spirit. Harnessing a climate that reminds us of a slightly warmer cross between the Southern Rhône Valley and Tuscany, balanced by temperate Pacific breezes, she’s created this bold beauty—one that turns heads with every sip.