Saxon Brown
Gap's Crown Vineyard Pinot Noir
Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, USA
medium ruby purple; dark berries, plum, licorice; plush, medium to full bodied, 14.2%ABV; 18 months in 40% new French oak
medium ruby purple; dark berries, plum, licorice; plush, medium to full bodied, 14.2%ABV; 18 months in 40% new French oak
Jul 30th, 2019
2018 vintage. Last tasted 10.18.23. Rated that a 9.4. Still excellent concentration throughout without the big body commitment. Medium-body. 2.21.24.
2018 vintage. Last tasted 10.18.23. Rated that a 9.4. Still excellent concentration throughout without the big body commitment. Medium-body. 2.21.24.
Feb 21st, 20242018 vintage. A fave value producer. Jeff Gaffner's wines should be double their price but they're not. Many thanks. This offering carries on that tradition. Gap's Crown Vineyard not exactly the cheapest CA Pinot noir fruit out there. This goes a little less aggro than any other interpretation of Gap's Crown fruit you'll find. Sail on, sailor. 10.18.23.
2018 vintage. A fave value producer. Jeff Gaffner's wines should be double their price but they're not. Many thanks. This offering carries on that tradition. Gap's Crown Vineyard not exactly the cheapest CA Pinot noir fruit out there. This goes a little less aggro than any other interpretation of Gap's Crown fruit you'll find. Sail on, sailor. 10.18.23.
Oct 25th, 20232017 vintage. Winemaker Jeff Gaffner is sourcing this fruit from the original block of this vineyard and only one of three winemakers doing so. Big, brusque nose. Some candied fruit, some usual suspects (cola nut, rhubarb, caramelized cranberry, dark plum and cherry) oot und aboot. Both finesse and power evident during the experience. I will say this wine is waay underpriced relative to the market and a banging value. 3.18.23.
2017 vintage. Winemaker Jeff Gaffner is sourcing this fruit from the original block of this vineyard and only one of three winemakers doing so. Big, brusque nose. Some candied fruit, some usual suspects (cola nut, rhubarb, caramelized cranberry, dark plum and cherry) oot und aboot. Both finesse and power evident during the experience. I will say this wine is waay underpriced relative to the market and a banging value. 3.18.23.
Mar 18th, 20232016 vintage. Certainly less aggressive than other interpretations of Gap Crown Vineyard from other wineries. Still, there is a combination of undeniable oomph and spice and harmony that other versions miss. Saxon Brown is never about that amplifier turned up to 11. The wines are all about subtleties.
2016 vintage. Certainly less aggressive than other interpretations of Gap Crown Vineyard from other wineries. Still, there is a combination of undeniable oomph and spice and harmony that other versions miss. Saxon Brown is never about that amplifier turned up to 11. The wines are all about subtleties.
Jun 10th, 2022
Intense dark fruit on the nose, color is medium, superb balance on the palette
Intense dark fruit on the nose, color is medium, superb balance on the palette
Jun 14th, 2020
Liking the 2015 SBs. Big rich tart red fruits. More restrained than the last bottle I had from this producer (different vineyard)
Liking the 2015 SBs. Big rich tart red fruits. More restrained than the last bottle I had from this producer (different vineyard)
Dec 2nd, 2018Deep garnet color with black cherry, raspberry, leather, and oak. Nice freshness and soft tannins compliment ripe fruit.
Deep garnet color with black cherry, raspberry, leather, and oak. Nice freshness and soft tannins compliment ripe fruit.
May 8th, 2016
Richest style from the '13 sxb Pinots. Has a ton of complexity and the longest finish ever 👌
Richest style from the '13 sxb Pinots. Has a ton of complexity and the longest finish ever 👌
May 28th, 2015