| Type | Red |
|---|---|
| Country | USA |
| Region | California > Sonoma |
| Producer | Pax Wines |
| Vintage | 2018 |
| Grape Varieties | Syrah |
| Bottle Size | 75cl |
In the early 2000s sommelier-turned-winemaker Pax Mahle exploded onto the Sonoma wine scene with his dense and powerful Syrahs. Yet despite immediate commercial success, Pax felt something was missing. Inspired by the great wines of the Northern Rhône, he went in search of freshness, elegance and terroir clarity.
By exploring cooler, coastal vineyards and taking cues from iconic vignerons like Thierry Allemand, Marius Gentaz, and Jean-Louis Chave, Pax honed his approach. The result is an array of fresh and focused site-specific Syrahs that set a new Californian standard.
Working alongside his wife Pam, Pax collaborates with organic and sustainable growers across sites like Alder Springs, Castelli-Knight Ranch, and Griffin’s Lair. In the cellar, the philosophy is resolutely low-intervention: ambient yeast fermentations, significant whole-cluster inclusion, and aging in neutral vessels to ensure the fruit and vineyard express themselves with great clarity.
With the estate’s output fiercely guarded by a loyal domestic following, very little ever leaves the US. For UK-based lovers of both benchmark Californian wine and authentic Northern Rhône Syrah, these are essential bottles to track down.
