2002 Pax Syrah Castelli-Knight Ranch
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Tasting notes
(16.9% alcohol, with a pH of 3.9; from a northeast-facing vineyard in a warmer area) Saturated ruby. Pure aromas of black fruits and bitter chocolate, with a distinctly peppery component. Dense, sweet and superconcentrated; a wine of extravagant breadth. Like an essence of black fruits. Superripe and high in pH but somehow full of life. Finishes with big, strong, tongue-coating ripe tannins. "My Brune," notes Mahle.
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Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
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The 2002 Syrah Castelli-Knight Ranch is a black beauty. No wimpish wine at 16.9% alcohol, it is made from very low yields, and crushed in open top small bins, the alcohol is totally concealed by the wealth of fruit and intensity. From a cool hillside vineyard with a northeast exposure, it exhibits an inky/purple color as well as aromas of roasted meats, black currants, and blackberries. It is a muscular, big, powerful Syrah that keeps it all together with good intensity and a structured feel. This sensational 2002 requires 2-3 years of cellaring, and should age nicely for 12-15 years. This is a very exciting operation run by one of northern California’s new young turks, who is proving to have a formidable ability to translate cool climate vineyard sites into terrific wines ... all with no formal training. (Release date Winter 04) Tel. (707) 591-0782; Fax (707) 591-0784