Pax "Venus" Bennett Valley (Sonoma) 2005

Pale yellow.

Nose of straw and unripe, spicy, peppery pear. Is this quince (never tried it)? A notion of custard too.

Huge, broad palate-impact, almost Marsanne-like in the way it takes over the mouth. Spicy/chewy structural component cuts right through it, however, to provide great counterweight. Long spicy/chewy finish. I think a sulfide edge contributes here too.

I hated my first bottle of this wine about six months ago, but either I was whacked or the wine just needed time.

This was opened yesterday.

From Pax's newsletter - this has a pH over 4 (which means no effective acidity) and is 100% Roussanne. 13.8% alcohol

Killer.

$45?