2017 Pax Syrah North Coast

Vineyards are organic or sustainable. The grapes are pressed as whole clusters and fermented using ambient yeasts. The wine is then aged in concrete and neutral French oak. This wine is not filtered or fined. Very dark cherry red with purple-crimson rim. Ripe black fruit – more damson and blackberry than blackcurrant – with a hint of smoky reduction that is less noticeable the day after opening and lots of black pepper to balance the fruit sweetness. Even a touch minty. More savoury on the palate, even more black pepper, and super-fine dry tannins that really give this wine distinction. Elegant but dry texture, needs food. (JH)