2021 Pax Mahle Syrah Sonoma Hillsides
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The 2021 Syrah Sonoma Hillsides is just starting to come into its own. Dark and explosive, with tons of energy, the 2021 is a potent, young Sonoma Hillsides. All the intensity of a vintage marked by severe drought comes through in the wine's slightly tough contours, and yet there is more than enough fruit density to match. This has really gained in volume and intensity over the last few years. Bright acids punctuate the finish.
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James Suckling
Jeb Dunnuck
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The 2021 Syrah Sonoma Hillsides is towering and statuesque in bearing from the very first taste. I don’t think I have ever tasted a Sonoma Hillsides with this much finesse, this much purity. A wine of vertical energy, the Sonoma Hillsides possesses tremendous depth from start to finish. In many vintages the Hillsides leans towards a darker expression of Syrah. The 2021, on the other hand, is marked by more of a red/purplish fruit profile, with bright floral and citrus overtones that confer freshness. Once again, Pax Mahle made one of the truly epic wines of the year. His Sonoma Hillsides has been one of the very finest wines in Northern California for a number of years now.
Classic and peppery, the 2021 Syrah Sonoma-Hillsides is fresh with black plum, violets, and wet stone. It offers great freshness and lift within this full-bodied red, with ripe tannins and a clean finish. I’m always a fan of this wine for its versatility, and it’s outstanding in this vintage. Drink 2024-2034.
Engagingly fresh and floral, yet also brooding at the same time, showing a darker profile of fruit if you compare this with the North Coast and Sonoma Coast renditions. Dark cherries, dark bayberries, crushed violets, grilled thyme and a hint of mussels. Broad, yet very juicy and transparent on the palate, with fresh, fine tannins. Full of verve and freshness. Drink or hold.