{"product_id":"pax-syrah-sonoma-hillsides-2022","title":"Pax 'Sonoma Hillsides' Syrah Red, Russian River Valley, California","description":"\u003cp\u003eBorn from a memorable encounter with Northern Rhône winemaking legend Raymond Trollat, the 2022 Pax Sonoma Hillsides Syrah pays tribute to the expressive hillside wines of Saint-Joseph. Bringing together organically farmed vineyards across Sonoma County, this carefully composed Syrah draws its character from contrasting slopes, elevations, and soils, combining generous fruit with the distinctive energy of cool-climate viticulture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct Details:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrape Variety:\u003c\/strong\u003e 100% Syrah\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFermentation:\u003c\/strong\u003e 100% whole-cluster fermentation with indigenous yeasts and traditional foot crushing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaturation:\u003c\/strong\u003e 10 months in neutral French oak puncheons and concrete tanks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAlcohol Content:\u003c\/strong\u003e 12.5% ABV\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3.77\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFree SO₂:\u003c\/strong\u003e 20 ppm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVineyard Farming:\u003c\/strong\u003e Organically farmed hillside vineyards\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVineyard Sources:\u003c\/strong\u003e Multiple cool-climate hillside sites\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil Types:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rocky hillside soils, decomposed soils at higher elevations, and sandy soils supporting older vines\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pax Mahle\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOwners:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pax and Pamela Mahle\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSensory Description:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFragrant purple flowers and violets mingle with blueberry liqueur, pink peppercorn and white pepper, lifted by notes of ripe summer berries. Plush blue fruits shape the palate, complemented by bright red-fruit accents and savoury undertones of earth and umami. Concentrated yet vibrant, the wine balances its generous fruit with freshness, finely textured tannins and a persistent, spice-inflected finish. Its layered character promises further complexity with careful cellaring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Accolades:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e96 Points:\u003c\/strong\u003e Antonio Galloni, Vinous, January 2026, for the 2022 vintage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Background:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEstablished in 2000 by Pax and Pamela Mahle, Pax Wines grew from the couple's fascination with the potential of Syrah grown in California's cooler coastal vineyards. The Mahles remain sole owners, with Pax directing winemaking and Pamela overseeing administration. Inspired by the traditional methods of the Northern Rhône, the winery works with organically and sustainably farmed fruit, employing indigenous fermentations, foot crushing, and minimal intervention. The Sonoma Hillsides Syrah was first produced in 2016, its distinctive label originating from a misunderstanding during a cellar visit with legendary Saint-Joseph winemaker Raymond Trollat, who generously offered Pax a roll of his own wine labels. The resulting cuvée celebrates that encounter through a blend of carefully selected hillside vineyards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eServing Suggestions:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eServe at 16–18°C in a generous red wine glass. Decanting while young will allow its floral aromatics and savoury complexity to emerge. Particularly well suited to rosemary-roasted lamb, grilled venison, slow-braised beef, duck with peppercorn sauce or wild mushroom dishes. Its balance of fruit, acidity and structure also makes it a compelling choice for further cellar ageing.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Buena Vida Wine \u0026 Spirits","offers":[{"title":"2022 \/ 750mL","offer_id":67587929309239,"sku":null,"price":63.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2699\/1632\/files\/Pax_Sonoma_Hillsides_Syrah_Red_Russian_River_Valley_California_2022.png?v=1792199735","url":"https:\/\/www.winedispensary.com\/products\/pax-syrah-sonoma-hillsides-2022","provider":"Wine Dispensary","version":"1.0","type":"link"}