Pax, Syrah "Walker Vine Hill" Russian River Valley 2003

Saturated purple.

Menthol/melted licorice, spicy fig, a medicinal nuance and some heat on the nose.

Round, creamy, low-acid impression. Tannin seems to be the dominant structural force, enhanced by higher alcohol. Alcohol intrudes in the mid-palate. Another wine that may just need air.

Day 3 - Similar nose. Smells loaded. Thick and grainy, intense, with some alcohol. Long. Distinctive, definitely not for everyone.

Day 5 - Menthol/dates/figs/black licorice. Killer, loaded nose. Round, sweet, grainy, slightly saline textural impression. Great concentration, well-expressed. My favorite of the bunch.

15.6% alcohol listed.

$55