2005 Pax Syrah, Alder Springs Vineyard

As the years have progressed, newer plantings higher up on the mountainside have come into production. These higher plantings have proven to be a very good thing as much of the Syrah planted below 1900' struggled to ripen at all in 2005. Our 2005 includes Syrah from The Knob, The Emerald Pool, The Terraces, Manzanita Patch, The West Block and Spirit Rock. Often a more complete wine than the block designated wines from this vineyard, this wine dazzles with its weight, elegance and balance. A pure, complex bottling to enjoy on release and for 5-8 years or more, it will just get better with time.

Tasting Note:
Floral and stony with layers of earth, fruit and spice in the lively aromatics. Intense red and black raspberries, roasted coffee, maduro tobacco, pure berry fruit, vibrant mineral, graphite, melted licorice and bitter chocolate float across the palate. The finish brightens a bit with assertive red currants, fresh flowers and transparent pure fruit. Never a huge wine, just a hugely sexy wine.