Description
The 2023 Pax Sonoma County Syrah “Sonoma-Hillsides” is widely considered one of the finest, most elegant releases ever crafted by winemaker Pax Mahle. Heavily inspired by the Northern Rhône, it has achieved highly critical acclaim, including a 98 point rating by Vinous (Antonio Galloni) #15 Top 100 2025, 97 points by Jeb Dunnuck, and 96 points by James Suckling (#35 Top 100 2025). Pax Mahle learned that bigger is not better. His original Syrah’s were all very extracted and fermented to high alcohol. Now his style and approach is earlier harvest and less alcohol from cooler sites.
- Composition: 100% Syrah sourced from meticulously tended, cool-climate hillside vineyards across Sonoma County. “
- Winemaking: 100% whole-cluster fermentation using native yeasts.
- Aging: 10 months in square concrete vats and neutral French oak puncheons.
- Alcohol by Volume: 12.5% ABV, emphasizing freshness over heavy extraction.
“The 2023 Syrah Sonoma-Hillsides is a blend from the best parts of their vineyard sites, fermented and aged in concrete, with the only oak it sees coming from portions of the barrels of the vineyard designates. In the glass, it pours a deep purple color, revealing aromas of lavender oils, blackberry preserve, and sweet sage. At this tasting, the focus is more on its fruit than its savory tones, but these will undoubtedly emerge as it matures. It has a rich and noble structure, with full body, ripe tannins, and a long-lasting finish.” – 97 points, Jeb Dunnuck
“Very pure and perfumed aromas of blackberries, dark cherries, plums, cured meat, dried herbs and violets. The palate is supple, with seamlessly integrated tannins and bright acidity, giving flavors of mulberries, graphite, black olives and mocha. A serious northern Rhone-inspired syrah with a soft touch. Excellent.” 96 points, James Sucklinge
“The 2023 Syrah Sonoma Hillsides was made with whole clusters and fermented and matured in concrete. It has slowly opening scents of cassis, thyme, violet and iodine. The medium-bodied palate features understated flavors framed by chalky tannins and bright acidity, and it has a long, floral finish.” – 92 points, Wine Advocate