Lockwood Vineyard's $4 Shale Ridge Syrah Offers Complexity and Value

The 2005 vintage of this Central Coast wine delivers an aromatic and flavorful experience despite its budget-friendly price point.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A $4 bottle of Shale Ridge Syrah from Lockwood Vineyard in Monterey County, California offers an unexpectedly complex and enjoyable wine-drinking experience, with notes of blackberry, currant, and pepper that develop over time in the glass.

Why it matters

In a time of economic uncertainty, the Shale Ridge Syrah demonstrates that quality, flavorful wines can be found at accessible price points, providing value-conscious consumers an opportunity to explore and appreciate the diversity of California's Central Coast wine region.

The details

The 2005 Shale Ridge Syrah from Lockwood Vineyard features 100% estate-grown Syrah grapes. While initially showing some heat on the nose, the wine opens up to reveal aromas of blackberry and currant. On the palate, the wine delivers a peppery spice that mellows after about 30 minutes, allowing the dark fruit flavors to shine. The wine has a lingering finish, suggesting it would pair well with hearty dishes like pork chops or hamburgers.

  • The Shale Ridge Syrah 2005 was tasted and reviewed in February 2026.

The players

Lockwood Vineyard

A winery located in San Lucas, Monterey County, California that specializes in estate-grown wines.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I did, however, find it to be very flavorful and aromatic, with a complexity that grew as time passed. After an hour or so in the glass, I was actually quite pleased with it.”

— Randy Fuller, Wine Reviewer (nowandzin.com)

The takeaway

The Shale Ridge Syrah 2005 from Lockwood Vineyard demonstrates that consumers can find high-quality, complex wines at affordable price points, providing an opportunity to explore California's diverse wine offerings even during economic downturns.