ANTONIO GALLONI 98 POINTS - "Pax Mahle presented a stellar set of new and future releases. I was quite simply blown away by what I tasted. The full lineup of 2023 Syrahs is just magnificent. In addition to current wines, Mahle also poured a few older Syrahs from his Wind Gap days, including wines from the period when he favored much heavier extraction and a stronger oak imprint. Even though those wines are miles apart from Mahle's stylistic preferences today, they have aged exceptionally well. There is no stronger endorsement for the quality of Sonoma's top sites than that. Mahle picks early for freshness. Wines are done in a minimalist style that includes a good bit of stem inclusion for the reds and aging in neutral oak and/or cement. These wines remain benchmarks for excellence in Sonoma."
"The 2023 Syrah Sonoma Hillsides is one of the most elegant, refined renditions of this wine I have tasted. Crushed rose petal, mint, lavender and dried herbs soar out of the glass. The purity of the flavors here is just remarkable. Vibrant and deep, with tremendous energy, the 2023 Sonoma Hillsides is showing exceptionally well today."
JEB DUNNUCK 97 POINTS - "The 2023 Syrah Sonoma-Hillsides is a blend from the best parts of their vineyard sites, fermented and aged in concrete, with the only oak it sees coming from portions of the barrels of the vineyard designates. In the glass, it pours a deep purple color, revealing aromas of lavender oils, blackberry preserve, and sweet sage. At this tasting, the focus is more on its fruit than its savory tones, but these will undoubtedly emerge as it matures. It has a rich and noble structure, with full body, ripe tannins, and a long-lasting finish. Drink 2026-2040."
"The 2023 Syrah Sonoma Hillsides is one of the most elegant, refined renditions of this wine I have tasted. Crushed rose petal, mint, lavender and dried herbs soar out of the glass. The purity of the flavors here is just remarkable. Vibrant and deep, with tremendous energy, the 2023 Sonoma Hillsides is showing exceptionally well today."
JEB DUNNUCK 97 POINTS - "The 2023 Syrah Sonoma-Hillsides is a blend from the best parts of their vineyard sites, fermented and aged in concrete, with the only oak it sees coming from portions of the barrels of the vineyard designates. In the glass, it pours a deep purple color, revealing aromas of lavender oils, blackberry preserve, and sweet sage. At this tasting, the focus is more on its fruit than its savory tones, but these will undoubtedly emerge as it matures. It has a rich and noble structure, with full body, ripe tannins, and a long-lasting finish. Drink 2026-2040."
