2006 Pax Syrah Alder Springs Vineyard
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Tasting notes
Opaque purple. Smoky cassis and blueberry aromas are complicated by cracked pepper, violet and dusty minerals. Juicy and sweet, with dense dark fruit preserve flavors given verve by tangy acidity. A cool, understated wine with admirable clarity and focus on the long, sappy finish, which features a strong note of peppery spice.
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Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
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The two cuvees from the Alder Springs Vineyard include the 2006 Syrah Alder Springs Vineyard, which is 100% Syrah with 75% whole clusters utilized. It is a generous style of wine, with loads of fruit that expresses the character of the vintage in its front-end loaded ripeness and headiness. Big, sweet fig, tobacco leaf, blackberry, and cassis notes with some spice and earth are all present in this beautifully rich wine. It should be drunk within the next 5-8 years. Exciting wines seem to emerge annually from Pax Mahle, a self-trained winemaker (and all the better for it), and owner Joe Donelan. The 2005s are just hitting the shelf, and there are some sensational ones for sure. Tel. (707) 591-0782; Fax (707) 591-0784