2003 Pax Syrah Obsidian
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From Knight’s Valley, the 2003 Syrah Obsidian (named for the area’s Obsidian soils) boasts a dense blue/purple color in addition to big, opulent, concentrated, heady aromatics, massive body, and abundant amounts of blackberry fruit intermixed with licorice and flowers. It’s a gorgeous Syrah that needs a bit more time in the bottle to strut its stuff. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2020. Tel. (707) 591-0782; Fax (707) 591-0784
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(from a high, rocky vineyard rich in volcanic deposits from Howell Mountain Full, deep ruby. Aromatic, somewhat exotic nose features blackberry, purple flowers, flint, tar, licorice and smoke. Comes across as fatter than the Kobler syrah but not quite as precise. But the sweetness of the powerful, deep black fruits is almost shocking. This has terrific depth of flavor and an exotic, liqueur-like aspect. Has the sweet fruit to buffer its big, broad tannins. This may be even better than the excellent '02 release.