Damn, if 2 bottles could not be more divergent. And if there is any question about decant time, while I don’t have my time from 9 months ago specifically, I remember that bottle well enough to know it was very similar to tonight’s. Tonight’s bottle is gone and as this is my last one, I offer some tatsing perspective on why I love tasting wine so much, especially CA syrah.
-
2005 Pax Syrah Walker Vine Hill - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley (9/15/2009)
I went back and viewed my last TN on this wine, which was 9 months ago. Comparatively, I would not describe this wine the same way. First off, much more whole cluster on the wine tonight than my last bottle–the stems are very much in the bouquet signature, which was not something I noted last time. Indeed, the color is dark and the wine has some polish but there seems to be more tannin this time and even with the relatively short decant (about 90 mins, and I based this on my last experience), I think a longer decant is much more in order with this particular bottle. The fruit here, all about blackberry and blueberry, mainly the latter, which for me is what Walker Vine Hill is alwats about. There is an iron quality to the wine this time through, as well as some roasted coffee and pepper. Good, yes. Great, I think with age it will determine that question but this is my last bottle. Pax, good work and you keep me guessing. -
2005 Pax Syrah Walker Vine Hill - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley (12/7/2008)
Was surprised how soft this drank, pretty much a pop and pour bottle: opened and poured, drank within 60 mins. More smooth and polished, with lots of the blueberry and meat. Dark, too. As much as I’d say decant or let it rest, this one did just fine with a quick drink.
Posted from CellarTracker