2022 Syrah Sonoma Hillsides

Pax Mahle is one of the most thoughtful, articulate winemakers in Sonoma. His range always seems to have something new, as is once again the case this year. I was especially impressed with the 2022 Syrahs, given the challenges of the growing season. Cool sites seemed to make it through the Labor Day heat without serious issues. Many of these vineyards were picked late into October. As always, the Syrahs are fermented with 100% stems. The single-vineyard Syrahs are aged in neutral oak, while the Hillsides is aged in cement, an approach that consistently works for that blend. There’s plenty to explore in the other wines, but I always find myself especially drawn to the Syrahs here, as the wines are incredibly site-specific and distinctive.