Pax Alder Springs Vyd. Syrah 2006 (Mendocino County)

Saturated red/purple.

Fresh aromas - black raspberry/blackberry coulis, earth, (oak?) spice. Deep, but nice clarity too. Lisa says Canadian bacon and wintergreen mint. I'd go there too.

Ditto in the mouth, with stronger acidity than the '03 and not nearly as broad. Very good concentration, but I don't see this matching the '03 on the palate, ever. Nevertheless, this is very good action, and likely to be a favorite with N.Rhone lovers who don't enjoy "New World" opulence.

Day 3 - Still has great clarity and interest on the nose. Begins with some real flesh in the mouth, but quickly shuts down the front of the mouth with acid/stem chew synergy. Who knows, maybe this just needs 10-15 more years?

$65