Pax Wines, Pax Cuvee Keltie Syrah 2003

Described by Pax Mahle as "an un-California wine" for its savoury character and complexity. This Syrah was vinified with 100% whole clusters and aged using only a small amount of new oak.

2014 heralded the return of the Pax label, like the original launched in 2000, Pax 2.0 is Syrah-focused, with grapes sourced from cooler sites, mostly in Sonoma and Mendocino counties. Pax and Pam Mahle believe great wines can only be made from great vineyards, and work with sites they believe have the location, soil, exposition, dedicated growers and plant material to fulfill that potential. They work in a balanced and sustainable way, promoting vineyard health and harmony with nature to produce grapes which fully express their origins. All of these practices lead to ripe, healthy fruit with balanced acid and sugars, which then requires minimal additions in the winery. Pax's winemaking is gently evolving but remains largely traditional. Grapes are sourced from organically farmed vineyards with low yields, crushed by foot, ferment is whole cluster using native yeasts, and wines are aged in mostly neutral French oak. Pax is an homage to classic Syrah, the wines have a purity of fruit and expression of place, impressively structured yet incredibly balanced.