2003 Pax Syrah Castelli-Knight Ranch
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Tasting notes
The 2003 Syrah Castelli-Knight Ranch (which utilizes 75% stems) is primordial, broodingly backward, black/purple-colored . Despite its freshness and vivaciousness, this is a monster Syrah with superb purity, huge, chewy flavors, and notes of graphite, crushed rocks, pepper, and creme de cassis. It should drink well for 10-12 years. Tel. (707) 591-0782; Fax (707) 591-0784
Critic scores
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Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
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(15.6% alcohol) Medium ruby. Knockout pungent aromas of black olive tapenade, Tellicherry pepper, crushed rocks and iron; like a blend of Cornas and Cote-Rotie. The flavors of liquid rocks and black pepper are framed by integrated acidity and mount impressivel y toward the back. A wine of building power, not at all sweet and quite dominated today by its tannic spine. From a north-facing hillside rich in rocky orange clay.