The spectrum of winemaking in California runs the gamut between mass produced (think Velveeta cheese) to artisanal wines made in small lots (think small batch Gouda hand-made by a guy wearing wooden shoes). Pax Wine Cellars is a pioneering artisanal wines from Sonoma County. Their passion and expertise is in making Syrah and other Rhône varietals, one barrel or lot at a time.

At Pax, winemaker Tyler Thomas employs a minimalistic style to his winemaking. Very little intervention allows the natural elements of the grape to shine through. This means no filtering or fining (wine geek speak for neither removing nor adding to the natural fermentation or winemaking process).

While Tyler allows his grapes to represent their vineyard designations with as little interference as possible, this is not to say he is not a cerebral man. Having completed his masters in viticulture and enology at UC Davis and a masters in botany while an undergrad at Colorado State, he is as knowledgeable about grape-growing and winemaking as they come.

The Daily Sip™ team recently tasted barrel samples of the 2008 Pax Walker Vine Hill with Tyler himself. It promises to be every bit as excellent as the finished ‘07 tasted next to it. (Think smooth, rich berries, dry earth, velvety tannins, balanced acidity and an epic finish.) If you’re a Syrah lover, we highly recommend you get on their mailing list--these are wines you don’t want to miss.

Find out what makes Tyler Thomas tick by reading his wine lifestyle profile exclusively available at www.bottlenotes.com/tylerthomas

Order your Pax wines at www.paxwines.com