Reviews & Ratings

2022 Pax Wines Syrah & Shiraz (Other than French) "Castelli-Knight Ranch"

Winery: Pax Wines

Vintage: 2022

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Castelli-Knight Ranch"

Wine Category: Syrah & Shiraz (Other than French)

Grape blend: 100% Syrah

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Russian River Valley

State or country: CA

Price: $70

Cases produced: 155

KWG Score: 94 (based on 4 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (93)

Review date: February 2, 2026

Wine Review: This hazy medium ruby colored Syrah from Pax opens with a birch beer and smoked meat bouquet with hints of acai berry, dark chocolate, black cherry, and saddle leather. On the palate, this wine is medium plus bodied with integrated medium plus acidity. The mouthfeel is nicely balanced, round, seamless, and fresh. The flavor profile is a blackberry and smoked meat blend with notes of cedar and menthol. We also detected hints of cinnamon, mulberry, black cherry, and black pepper. The finish is dry, and its flavors, acidity and well-managed fine tannins are very nicely sustained. We would pair this Syrah with a grilled bison T-bone steak with caramelized onions or with beef bourguignon. Enjoy - KWGTP

Winemaker Notes: Open knit blackberries, black plums, black pepper, asphalt, and earth. This 2022 is ready to drink now. Delicious black fruits are balanced by the spicy savory profile loaded with cardamom, anise, and black tea flavors. Low tannins and concentrated Syrah fruit make for one delicious medium full-bodied wine that will no doubt improve in the short term, but also a wine that will drink beautifully with a nice steak off the grill this winter season.