Pax Mahle

In the early 2000s sommelier-turned-winemaker Pax Mahle exploded onto the Sonoma wine map with his dense and powerful Syrahs that harnessed the variety’s unsung potential in California and established Pax as one of its most in-demand winemakers.

But by exploring cooler, coastal vineyards and taking cues from the iconic vignerons behind his favourite Northern Rhône wines (luminaries such as Thierry Allemand, Marius Gentaz, and Jean-Louis Chave), Pax re-calibrated his approach to craft an array of fresh and focused site-specific Syrahs that are setting the Californian standard.

Sourcing fruit from organic and sustainable growers across top sites such as ‘Alder Springs’, ‘Castelli-Knight Ranch’, and ‘Griffin’s Lair’, Pax and his wife Pam are now employing wild yeast fermentations, whole-cluster vinifications, and the use of neutral vessels in their winery.

Made with whole bunches and aged in concrete and neutral oak for 10 months, Pax’s spicy, Saint-Joseph-inspired ‘North Coast’ Syrah represents extraordinary value. From a north-facing, rocky hillside parcel, his ‘Castelli-Knight Ranch’ Syrah marries dense fruit and smoky aromatics with a plush texture. Aged 100% in concrete, the exotically scented and deeply layered ‘Sonoma Hillsides’ Syrah effortlessly demonstrates why it is the star of Pax’s line-up.

With the domaine’s output usually snapped up by a loyal following who recognise the bargain they represent (especially in relation to California’s other top wines), we’re thrilled to offer this parcel of critically acclaimed Pax Syrah with bottle age.

Syrah ‘North Coast’ 2019 (£34)
“A boisterous, forward wine loaded with inky dark fruit… Superb.” Drink to 2029+.

Syrah ‘Castelli Knight Ranch’ 2016 (£52)
“Tobacco, earth, cedar, pepper give terrific aromatic intensity and expansiveness.” Drink to 2030.

Syrah ‘Sonoma Hillsides’ 2019 (£60)
“The star of the range. Rich and exotic, with notable depth.” Drink to 2034.

Please note that this offer has expired, however you can check current stocks via the search bar or shop@shrinetothevine.co.uk