2007 Pax Syrah Walker Vine Hill Vineyard
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
The 2007 Pax Cellars Syrah Walker Vine Hill (100% Syrah, 40% whole clusters) is a beauty. A big, dense Syrah, it exhibits abundant aromas of creme de cassis, acacia flowers, pepper, meat juice, and a smoky barbecue character. Substantial, succulent, and opulent, it displays a flamboyant, full-bodied style that is hard to resist. Consume it during its first decade of life. The troubled departure of Pax Mahle as winemaker from this operation owned primarily by Joe Donelan has resulted in a change of name. Coinciding with the 2008s, this is now Donelan Family Wines. The reviews that follow include the 2007s, the last wines produced under the Pax Cellars moniker, with the 2008s to be released under the Donelan Family Wines. Pax Mahle now has his own up-and-coming winery called Wind Gap. One of the most interesting vineyards Donelan has used is the Obsidian Vineyard in Knight’s Valley. This vineyard’s soil resembles black marble, and the result is an extraordinary wine with characteristics that are nearly impossible to articulate. Tel. (707) 592-0782; Fax (707) 591-0784
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
Showing a smooth, seamless character, the 2007 Pax Syrah Walker Vine Hill has a subtle smoked meat quality that’s hard to find outside of the northern Rhone valley. This character is supported by pure, precise aromatics of cassis and black berry fruit, earth, chocolate, smoked meat and hot asphalt. The palate is full bodied with a seamless, soft texture, beautiful integration of all its parts and a rich, long finish. Hard to say if this will improve with age but the suppleness and quality fruit sure make it enjoyable now.