2007 Pax Cuvée Moriah
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Tasting notes
The dark ruby/garnet-hued 2007 Pax Cellars Cuvee Moriah (80% Grenache and the rest Syrah, Mourvedre, and Counoise) exhibits kirsch liqueur, pepper, lavender, licorice, and damp earth characteristics. This medium-bodied, Rhone-styled red should drink nicely for another 4-5 years. The troubled departure of Pax Mahle as winemaker from this operation owned primarily by Joe Donelan has resulted in a change of name. Coinciding with the 2008s, this is now Donelan Family Wines. The reviews that follow include the 2007s, the last wines produced under the Pax Cellars moniker, with the 2008s to be released under the Donelan Family Wines. Pax Mahle now has his own up-and-coming winery called Wind Gap. One of the most interesting vineyards Donelan has used is the Obsidian Vineyard in Knight’s Valley. This vineyard’s soil resembles black marble, and the result is an extraordinary wine with characteristics that are nearly impossible to articulate. Tel. (707) 592-0782; Fax (707) 591-0784
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
A blend of 80% Grenache, 8% Mourvédre, 8% Syrah and a splash of counoise, the 2007 Pax Cuvée Moriah has a spicy, underbrush driven nose with subtle spice, earth and candied cherry and kirsch fruit. The palate is medium bodied with rich fruit, nice acidity and a firm, tannic core. This lacks a bit of charm at the moment but there’s nice fruit, the wine is balanced and shows nice length. Give this a couple years in the cellar and hope for the best.