Syrah Obsidian
⏳ Drinking Window
Typically best enjoyed 5–15 years from vintage release.
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Roasted leg of lamb, grilled ribeye steak, earthy wild mushroom risotto
✨ Technical Specifications
Sourced from the rugged, sun-drenched slopes of Knights Valley in Sonoma County, the Pax Obsidian Vineyard Syrah is a masterclass in volcanic terroir. The vineyard itself is named for the shards of black volcanic glass—obsidian—that litter the soils, reflecting the California sun and radiating heat back to the vines. This unique geological setting produces a Syrah of immense depth, structure, and mineral complexity. Winemaker Pax Mahle captures this wild landscape by employing traditional, low-intervention techniques, including whole-cluster fermentation with native yeasts and aging in neutral French oak. The resulting wine is a dramatic expression of the varietal, balancing intense dark fruit with savory notes of cracked black pepper, cured meats, and a distinct, stony minerality that echoes its volcanic origins.
🍾 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