Pax Syrah, The Bench Vineyard, Clements Hills 2023 (750 ml)

100% Syrah
100% Whole Cluster Fermentation
Indigenous yeasts & bacterias
10 months in Aged in neutral French Oak Puncheons
Free SO2 @ Bottling 20 ppm
3.8 pH
ABV 12.5%

The 2023 Pax The Bench Vineyard Syrah is a testament to our commitment to quality and the distinctive character of the Lodi region. Inspired by the rare southern rhone Syrah, and a clear departure from our cool climate Syrahs, this wine shows those roasted flavors that you can only get from Syrah grown in sand in a warm spot. The low fertility sandy soils are derived from Granite and Tufa and form undulating “Hills” from the steady breezes from the west. These fine-grained soils grow fine grained wines. We fermented this 100% Syrah with 100% Whole-Clusters and aged it in 500L French Oak Puncheons for six months before bottling this wine without any fining or filtration.

Tasting Notes
The 2023 is a captivating wine that showcases firstly the cool growing season in this hot climate, secondly the unique terroir of The Clements Hills AVA. Crafted from 100% Syrah, this wine offers a harmonious blend of fruit intensity and savory complexity. In the glass, it presents a deep, dark red hue with subtle purplish tinges, indicating its rich concentration. The bouquet is both robust and inviting, featuring aromas of ripe plums, tar, and violets. Hints of baked pomegranate and cherry skin add depth, while a touch of peppery spice introduces a layer of intrigue. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied with a firm structure. The initial burst of dark red and purplish fruits is complemented by mocha, lavender, and a medley of spices. The tannins are ripe and well-integrated, providing a smooth mouthfeel. The finish is long and floral, leaving a lasting impression. This Syrah pairs beautifully with grilled meats, hearty stews, or a selection of aged cheeses.

Pax Wines
Pax and Pam Mahle moved to wine country in 1997 to create a lifestyle that involved working with wine. After a few years of tasting and sourcing wine from all over California, Pax finally found a vineyard in which he felt a kismet connection. Alder Springs Vineyard was the site and subsequently led to the launch of the PAX brand in 2000.

The Mahles made a bold choice by favoring the “untapped potential"  of the Syrah grape. Their entire lineup of wines came from cool climate vineyards in  Sonoma County and Mendocino. These wines were big, rich expressions of Syrah that went on to be highly sought after. As a result, Pax quickly became established as one of California’s premier producers of Syrah.

Presently, Pax Wines has evolved to include new and exciting varieties in addition to Syrah. This includes Trousseau Gris, Chenin Blanc, Gamay Noir, and Mission, along with a host of others recently planted. 

At Pax Wines winemaking is approached holistically. This is done by taking care to use only grapes that are grown without the use of chemicals and by hand making their wines with as little intervention as possible. As a result, all of their wines are crushed by foot and hand, and fermented using only natural yeasts. To taste these wines visit the urban winery and tasting room in the outdoor Barlow market in downtown Sebastopol.

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