October 24, 2023
20-Buck Bottle: A robust Syrah for robust dishes
Intense California Syrah from a prolific winemaker
by Anita Skogland
Pax Mahle 2021 The Bench Vineyards Syrah, Clement Hill, CA
Available at: Winestore, SouthPark
Price: $24.99
On the Nose: Plum, spice, cherry, rosemary, sage
On the Palate: Well-integrated tannins, dense and chewy, pepper, spice, violets, smooth acidity.
On the Plate: Pair with venison, sausages, burgers, roast pork, cassoulet, lasagna, baked beans
Our Take: This wine is not filtered or fined and is made from whole clusters of grapes rather than single grapes crushed and filtered. The process that Pax uses produces an intense and flavorful Syrah. This is a wine to purchase for now and for later.
Fun Fact: The grapes are grown in the Clement Hills near Sebastopol, CA. The breezes keep the warm, sun-warmed granite and sand soil cool, which is perfect for Syrah. The wine is fermented in 500-liter. Puncheons – a regular wine barrel is 250 liters – so the oak contact is limited. The Pax grapes are hand and foot crushed.
