2004 Pax Syrah, Richards Family Vineyard, Sonoma Valley

Planted on a hillside overlooking the Sonoma Valley to the east and Sonoma Mountain to the south, this 3.5 acre vineyard is covered in a series of Sonoma volcanic soils amongst outcroppings of bedrock as large as Volkswagens. This former Lavender farm was replanted to Syrah in the late 90's. Remnants of the Lavender farm exist as a purple flowered perimeter to the vineyard and a ½ acre block alongside the Syrah. The lavender is harvested in mid to late summer and sold to Williams-Sonoma for fireplace starter bundles. The Syrah is farmed to our meticulous standards and is typically one of the last vineyards harvested of all of our sites. The wine is medium to full bodied, outrageously perfumed, silky and sexy. Not all about power, this wine reminds us of a gorgeous, classically vinified Cote Rotie. At this point barrels of this wine are divided between Cuvee's Christine, Keltie and Moriah. All three of these wines benefit from the outrageous perfume that this wine offers. Bottled on it's own it is true exotica! This wine was fermented 100% whole cluster and aged in a combination of new & used French Oak barrels for 36 months without even a single racking. Throw a rack of Lamb on the grill, a lavender bundle in the fireplace decant a bottle of 2005 Richards Family Vineyard Syrah and prepare to be transported directly to Lavender Heaven.

Tasting Note:
Intense aromas of blackberries, mineral, spiced black plums, chocolate covered rose petals, bee pollen and lavender. A sneaky attack of Wet stones, tobacco, really ripe black-raspberries and dried flowers expand in your mouth into a velvety mixture of sweet chocolaty fruit. Supple, velvety red fruit, mineral and Turkish Delight flavors create a densely packed and beautifully textured medium-full bodied wine. The ultra fine chocolaty tannins and spiced madurro tobacco leave your mouth watering for another sip of this delicious Syrah.