2004 Pax Syrah Lauterbach Hill
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Tasting notes
A wine of exceptional intensity, the 2004 Syrah Lauterbach, from a cooler, north-facing Russian River site farmed by Lee Martinelli, reveals superb concentration along with hints of fruitcake, cedar, blackberries, cassis, pepper, and incense. This 275-case cuvee is complex, lush, heady, and best drunk over the next 5-7 years. Previously recommended: 2003 Cuvee Moriah (93), 2003 Syrah Alder Springs (95), 2003 Syrah Alder Springs The Terraces (96), 2003 Syrah Castelli-Knight Ranch (96), 2003 Syrah Cuvee Keltie (94+), 2003 Syrah Griffin’s Lair (95), 2003 Syrah Kobler Family Vineyard (92), 2003 Syrah Obsidian (96), 2003 Syrah Walker Vine Hill (94). Tel. (707) 591-0782; Fax (707) 591-0784
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Deep ruby-red. Brooding aromas of medicinal black fruits, menthol, flint and crushed rocks. Rich and chewy if a bit aggressive and unrefined. There's an enticing coolness to the wine's black fruit and licorice flavors, and yet there is also lovely sweetness here. Finishes with outsized, tongue-parching tannins that call for at least a year or two of bottle aging.