2007 Pax Syrah Alder Springs Vineyard The Terraces

The 2007 Syrah Alder Springs The Terraces includes 4% Viognier co-fermented with 96% Syrah, and 50% whole clusters were utilized. While lighter than either the 2006 or 2005, the 2007 possess the same seamlessness along with beautifully elegant blue and black fruits interwoven with notes of acacia flowers and pepper. The fragrant aromatics are followed by a medium to full-bodied Syrah that is softer, and less concentrated and powerful than previous versions. Nevertheless, it reflects this vintage in its seamless integration of all its component parts. Drink it over the next 3-4 years. After a turbulent year at Pax Cellars, where winemaker Pax Mahle departed to start his own project, owner Joe Donelan moved quickly to bring in Tyler Thomas, who spent four years working for Burgundy’s famed proprietor of Domaine de la Romanee-Conti, Aubert de Villaine, at his California outpost, HDV. The first vintage where Thomas will have complete control will be 2008, although he will bottle the 2007s. Joe Donelan told me he has long-term contracts with the vineyards he and Pax Mahle had accessed, so these superb sites will remain part of the portfolio. Following are my tasting notes on the late-released 2006s and the limited portfolio of 2007s. Pax Cellars will eventually release more 2007s, but they were not ready to taste during my visit. Tel. (707) 592-0782; Fax (707) 591-0784