Pax "Griffin's Lair" Syrah 2005 (Sonoma Coast)

Saturated purple.

Medicinal (iodine), (oak?) spice, dried fig, clove, slow-roasted meat, menthol and all sorts of other, teaser, "stuff" on the nose.

Black licorice, suave oak toast - whatever - this rocks. I seem to get a bit of heat in the mid-palate, even though this is listed at 14.2% alcohol. Nevertheless, this is packed with grainy flavor concentration, as usual. Menthol flavor shows late. I think we need some air time here.

This is a Pax bottling I'll buy any time.


Day 2 - Deeper on the nose, really huge in the mouth, with chewy tannin that you almost miss. 50% new oak, according to the website.

Day 3 - Deeper, chocolate-infused nose now, with the iodine element in the background. There's a saturation of aromas and flavors that basically mocks the Saxum's sweet/tart simplicity.


$50