Pax 'Sonoma Hillsides' Syrah Red, Russian River Valley, California

Born 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.

Product Details:

• Grape Variety: 100% Syrah
• Fermentation: 100% whole-cluster fermentation with indigenous yeasts and traditional foot crushing
• Maturation: 10 months in neutral French oak puncheons and concrete tanks
• Alcohol Content: 12.5% ABV
• pH: 3.77
• Free SO₂: 20 ppm
• Vineyard Farming: Organically farmed hillside vineyards
• Vineyard Sources: Multiple cool-climate hillside sites
• Soil Types: Rocky hillside soils, decomposed soils at higher elevations, and sandy soils supporting older vines
• Winemaker: Pax Mahle
• Owners: Pax and Pamela Mahle

Sensory Description:

Fragrant 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.

Awards & Accolades:

• 96 Points: Antonio Galloni, Vinous, January 2026, for the 2022 vintage.

Winemaker's Background:

Established 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.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve 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.