2013 Pax Syrah Castelli-Knight Ranch
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Tasting notes
One of the highlights in this range, the 2013 Syrah Castelli-Knight Ranch is powerful, dense and explosive. The 100% whole clusters add aromatic nuance and savoriness but are also nicely balanced by the sheer intensity of the fruit. Inky blue and purplish-toned stone fruit, spice, lavender, licorice and black pepper build into the huge, resonant finish. The 2013 could use a bit more time in bottle to allow the tannins to soften further. Even so, this is impressive stuff.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2013 Syrah Castelli Knight Ranch is powerful, deep and immediate. There is good depth to the dark red and bluish hued fruits, spice, game and leather overtones add nuance. The tannins are a bit rough and unpolished, which causes the mid-palate and finish to feel a bit attenuated. The balance of sugar and physiological maturity is completely in sync. Otherwise, this is a solid Syrah from Pax.
A super-distinctive mineral and savory profile emerges from the 2013 Syrah Castelli Knight Ranch. Black pepper, smoke, graphite, iron and ferrous notes abound in a deep, powerful Syrah endowed with magnificent harmony and tons of potential. Huge, powerful and full of promise, the 2013 is going to be fascinating to follow over the coming years.
My favorite of the 2013s he offered was the 2013 Syrah Castelli-Knight Ranch, which smelled of pen ink, graphite, blackberries, forest floor and pepper, was quite full-bodied and had beautiful acidity.