Pax Wines Sonoma Hillsides Syrah 2021

Tasting Notes

Elegant yet intense, refined and balanced; with pristine blue and black fruits, spice and chalky tannins leaving you with a fine savoury mouthfeel. This cool climate Sonoma hillsides syrah will captivate you with its intense aromas , tastes and texture from start to its long finish. Different in some ways maybe to the good Northern Rhone Syrah, but equally outstanding for me! - Michael L

The sites used in the Sonoma Hillsides Syrah can vary each year. However, each is chosen to showcase the freshness and vibrancy that Syrah can only achieve in these cool-climate hillside slopes. In particular, the Walker Vine Hill Vineyard in the Russian River Valley invariably forms the base of this prestigious wine. Situated in a unique micro-climate that traps cool coastal influences to allow the fruit to ripen slowly, the vines are rooted in iconic Goldridge soil (a touchstone for cool-climate Syrah in California). The remaining sites include the Castelli-Knight Ranch, bringing high-tone spice and power; the Nellessen Vineyard, which provides nerve and acidity; and the cool and fog-blanketed Griffin’s Lair Vineyard in Petaluma Gap.

Like the rest of the Pax Syrah range, the Sonoma Hillsides is 100% whole cluster fermented and foot crushed. For a 12.5% wine that sees no new wood, it’s an intense wine but not about power. Instead, it’s driven by finesse and transparency; a penetrating but floral Californian Syrah binding sinewy freshness to textural affluence. And it is the stuff dinner table dreams are made of. - Importer Note