I waited as long as I could to finally try but gave in. 66 Grenache Blanc/28 roussanne/6 Chenin Blanc. Inaugural vintage for the Saxum white.
As a fan of white Rhône style wines, I expected the youth to show in an overly savory/waxy way, but I was pleasantly surprised how open this was. Pop and pour. Medium gold in the glass. Classical roussanne notes of orange marmalade and apricot, alongside salted almonds and yellow fruits. Gorgeously opulent on the palate but the Chenin gives it a spine of acidity to keep it dancing. Honey-roasted cashews, honeycomb, lemon cream, underripe pineapple and a little beeswax.
This seems fairly open for business, so no regrets on opening. Little bit of air and it’s ready to rock. — 5 months ago
Very young and very attractive 66. 20.9 abv! (I added water). @Bill Bender — 9 months ago
Blend of Grenache, Carignan, Syrah & Mourvedre, deep Ruby with aromas black fruits and floral notes. On the palate flavors of plum and blackberry with notes of cacao, spice and earthy notes. Medium+ finish, fine tannins, great mouthfeel (15.2 ABV), ending with fruit and earthy spice, nice! — 3 months ago
Cooler Shades of Pinot, 66/34 blend of Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris. Willamette Valley. Pale golden, excellent clarity. Floral and citrus aromas, good acidity, rich mouthfeel, stone fruit, citrus flavors, lemon and lemon peel finish with length. Very well crafted — 6 months ago
Excellent with salmon 🍣 — 7 months ago
Blend of 66% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre, and the rest a mix of permitted varieties, Medium Ruby with aromas of ripe black fruits and earthy pepper spice. On the palate complex rich flavors of cherry and blackberry, with oak, leather, cacao and earthy spice. Full body, well balanced, fine tannins, long finish, perfect now but will last another decade. Outstanding! — a year ago
Deep brooding intense dark berries needs more time — 5 months ago
It's time for some Merlot on this #MerlotThursday. Let's bring Merlot back!
Dark ruby in color with a short reddish rim.
Sweet nose of red and black fruits with cedar, tobacco and black pepper.
Medium plus in body with medium acidity.
Dry on the palate with black currants, plums, cooked cherries, spices, oak, vanilla, tobacco leaf, dark coffee, bitter herbs, dark chocolates, earth, light vegetables, pencil lead and black pepper.
Long finish with soft tannins and bitter herbs.
This is a delicious Merlot based Bordeaux blend from Sonoma County and Napa Valley.
This 11-year-old is drinking very nicely now. Elegant and rich. Complex and fruit forward.
Needs an hour of airtime to open up properly.
I Had the 2013 not too long ago, and it was better.
Robert Parker 98 points. Wine Spectator 93 points.
Good by itself and with food.
A blend of 66% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Petit Verdot. Aged in (40% new) French oak barrels for 22 months.
14.9% alcohol by volume.
92 points.
$135 (at release). — 4 months ago
Deep Ruby with aromas of dark fruits and espresso notes, a blend of 92% Cab Sauv, 6% Cab Franc, 1% of each Merlot and Petit Verdot, aged for 15 month in French oak (66% new). On the palate flavors of black cherry and blackberry with currants, herb, tobacco, fig and smoky oak spice notes. Firm tight tannins, long finish ending with fruit, cacao and toasty spice, needs time to develop, cellar a while, try in 2025! — 9 months ago
Scot Walker
Dark fruit in the nose with blueberries, blackberries and boysenberries with a hint of vanilla in the palate. Very smooth and a wonderful Grenache blend. — a month ago