Griffins Lair Syrah
⏳ Drinking Window
2005 - 2014
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Roasted rosemary lamb chops, grilled venison, earthy wild mushroom stew
✨ Technical Specifications
Hailing from the wind-swept Petaluma Gap AVA, the Griffin's Lair Vineyard is defined by its extreme maritime climate. Cool fog and relentless afternoon winds from the Pacific Ocean force the Syrah vines to develop thick skins and tiny berries, resulting in remarkable concentration balanced by vibrant natural acidity. Pax Mahle coaxes the pure essence of this challenging terroir using traditional whole-cluster fermentation and aging in neutral French oak and concrete. The result is a classic cool-climate California Syrah, celebrated for its intense savory profile, characterized by cracked black pepper, cured meats, black olives, and dark brambly fruit.
🍾 About the Producer
Founded in 2000 by Pax and Pam Mahle, Pax Wines is an acclaimed artisanal producer based in Sebastopol within Sonoma County, California. Recognized as a pioneer of the New California wine movement, the winery focuses on cool-climate coastal terroirs across Sonoma and Mendocino Counties. Pax champions a minimalist, old-world approach to vinification, utilizing whole-cluster fermentation, indigenous yeasts, and aging in neutral French oak and concrete tanks to preserve purity and freshness. The estate is widely celebrated for its benchmark, savory Syrah bottlings—such as the Sonoma-Hillsides and Alder Springs Vineyard designations—as well as dynamic, terroir-driven expressions of Gamay, Chenin Blanc, and heritage varieties.
🍇 Grape Varieties
Syrah
🍷 Alcohol By Volume (ABV)
12.5-13.5%