2023 Pax ‘Mountain Tops’ Syrah North Coast

VIN98 The 2023 Syrah Mountain Tops is a fabulous conclusion to this tasting. It is essentially the same lots that were used for the Sonoma Hillsides, but the wine was aged for 18 months in used 500-liter barrels instead of cement. Time in wood has softened the contours so well. Dark red cherry/plum fruit, pomegranate, rose petal, lavender and a kick of exotic floral notes open with some coaxing. The Mountain Tops is at once both rich and quite finessed. It is another magnificent wine in this range of 2023s from Pax Mahle, arguably the best wines he has made so far.

JD96 The 2023 Syrah Mountain Tops leads with refreshing aromas of wet stones, graphite, pepper, black plum, and hints of minty fresh herbs. Medium to full-bodied, it was fermented and aged in wood, with some new Mittelberger and Stockinger barrels, which adds a delicate frame and just hints of toast. It has a more linear feel on the palate, with well-defined tannins, refreshing acidity, and a clean, chalky texture on the finish. Drink 2026-2040.