TN: 2005 Pax Syrah Alder Springs Vineyard (USA, California, North Coast, Mendocino County)

WINE TALK
1

I think this is finally starting to drink.

  • 2005 Pax Syrah Alder Springs Vineyard - USA, California, North Coast, Mendocino County (1/3/2010)
    Decanted for three hours. Deep, tarry nose that also throws some mint notes. Palate is stacked with deep dark fruit, black cherry, and tar notes. There are hints of eucalyptus and herbs in the back. Still somewhat tannic on the back side. Best showing yet for me on this bottle, but it still has a few years to go. Terrific young Cali Syrah, but it’s a whopper.

Posted from CellarTracker

2

next winter i’ll peek @ one of mine.

3

Yeah. No rush, Glen.
I killed a couple too soon.
Just now coming out.

4

So the weird cold Tuesday night got me to make a fire and pop one of these. Decanted ~ an hour before being served with grilled Portabello Mushrooms and some bacon risotto. Wine initially had that very complex Pax nose with glycerin/tar/creosote notes and a seriously big attack with real heat noted. Mostly black fruits and I’ll agree with Dennis there were some herbs. We went thru just over half the bottle and then watched Shutter Island (kinda dumb) and returned to the wine. Complete change and not for the better IMO: wine was much rounder and more typical of other red wines in your mouth plus plenty of tannins emerged, sharp & drying tannins too. While the heat had diminished I definitely liked the wine after just an hour open way more.

5

Thanks for the note Glenn. My verdict is still kind of open with Pax. I’ve had plenty and am still waiting to be really moved. Perhaps I drink them too young.
Sorry to have missed you last Sat. Sounds like you all had a…uh…interesting time!

6

I had the 2004 on Monday night after a short - 30 minutes - decant. It was GREAT. I will write a formal note later, but it definitely got a WOW with complex flavors, honest fruit, no real heat notwithstanding the high ABV, and a great smooth mouth feel.

7

I am also sorry we did not meet Dennis. Holman & Finch needs more Deadheads hanging around! The night was really fun for me and Michael showed me a tremendous time. Of course considering my day job a little emesis doesn’t really make my radar and could not diminish the night’s highlight of meeting John Liotta and getting to reminisce and catch up about his dad, who long ago was very sweet to me when I had some real trouble as a college student.

I remain a Pax fan as they always keep me wonderin’ while I am drinking them. Alder Springs is a very big boy though.

Jay - did you drink your bottle over > 3-4 Hours? If so did you notice any metamorphosis?