Agharta (Pax Mahle Wines), North Coast, Syrah 2005 (1.5L)

magnum 66 of 288; winemaker signed label 95 points Jeb Dunnuck Spending 64 months in 30% new French oak and a blend of 97% Syrah, 2% Grenache and 1% Viognier, the 2005 Agharta Wines displays a wild array of smoked blackberries, vanilla bean, exotic spice, cigar, meat juice, and chocolate like characteristics that just come leaping out of the glass. Intense, complex, yet with a decadent richness that comes through more with air, this thrilling blend is full-bodied on the palate and chewy, broad, and dense, possessing a brilliant texture, perfect balance, and a finish that won't quit. There's a wild nature here that won't appeal to everyone, but nevertheless, this is stunning stuff that should continue to shine for a decade or more. (12/2011) 95 points Wine Advocate After the mind-blowing 2004 Agharta Syrah, I had high expectations that it would be followed by additional great wines, and those hopes were answered with the 2005 Black Label, a blend of 97% Syrah, 2% Grenache and 1% Viog