2005 Pax Syrah Alder Springs Vineyard

This 2005 Pax Syrah Alder Springs Vineyard beauty would easily pass for a young northern Rhone and has gorgeous aromatics of blackberry and cassis fruit mixed with floral, earth and spice notes. There's underlying oak but the purity of the fruit is really something and there's nice lift to the aromatics as well. The palate is medium to full bodied and possesses a seamless, silky texture along with impeccable balance and gobs of rich fruit. A lack of depth on the mid-palate and length on the finish keep this from being really great but it's a stunning drink now and should age well given its overall balance and harmony.