Saxum Vineyards
James Berry Vineyard Grenache Blend
Paso Robles, Central Coast, California, USA
Leans into 9.4 after a two-three hour decant and in the closing sips.
Juicy mid fruits, blackberries, black raspberries, black plum, black raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, some pomegranate, red licorice, grainy top soil to pebbles, black licorice, dry clay, dark, dry earth, dry herbs-Thyme, dry tobacco, cedar shavings, clove, cinnamon, vanillin, fresh red, dark & blue florals, rainfall acidity and a finish that is well structured, balanced, polished and lasts two-minutes.
Leans into 9.4 after a two-three hour decant and in the closing sips.
Juicy mid fruits, blackberries, black raspberries, black plum, black raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, some pomegranate, red licorice, grainy top soil to pebbles, black licorice, dry clay, dark, dry earth, dry herbs-Thyme, dry tobacco, cedar shavings, clove, cinnamon, vanillin, fresh red, dark & blue florals, rainfall acidity and a finish that is well structured, balanced, polished and lasts two-minutes.
Monthly WTF group recap. Theme this month was “bring something special”. Normally we taste all of the wines blind, but we decided to do a relaxed night with amazing wines at a great restaurant. Spectacular evening!
I normally lean toward Syrah dominant wines, but I’m really starting to appreciate Saxum’s play on Grenache. Lots of spiced red fruits here like rhubarb and peppercorn dusted black cherries with some sweet baking spices. Great acidity here and not remotely close to tasting like its ABV. Palate is similar to the aromatics with bright red fruit but has a core of black peppercorn, jerky and underripe blackberries. Very good right now.
Monthly WTF group recap. Theme this month was “bring something special”. Normally we taste all of the wines blind, but we decided to do a relaxed night with amazing wines at a great restaurant. Spectacular evening!
I normally lean toward Syrah dominant wines, but I’m really starting to appreciate Saxum’s play on Grenache. Lots of spiced red fruits here like rhubarb and peppercorn dusted black cherries with some sweet baking spices. Great acidity here and not remotely close to tasting like its ABV. Palate is similar to the aromatics with bright red fruit but has a core of black peppercorn, jerky and underripe blackberries. Very good right now.
Fun afternoon at Classic with great company. Glad you could join us Bryan.
This was my contribution and I loved being able to try this alongside the ‘11 that Bryan brought. So different! The ‘11 had almost 25% more Grenache than this, and was definitely lighter, spicer and had more acidity. This was dark and brooding and had more tannin on the finish. Fresh squeezed ripe blueberries and blackberries with peppercorn strip and charred plum. Obviously young, I re-corked and will update tomorrow...
Day 2: More floral up front on the nose and more savory on the palate with graphite and herbs de Provence. Decidedly more red fruit dominant at the finish...rhubarb and black cherry. More complexity for sure. Enjoyable now if given a 2hr decant, or hold for 2-3 more years.
Fun afternoon at Classic with great company. Glad you could join us Bryan.
This was my contribution and I loved being able to try this alongside the ‘11 that Bryan brought. So different! The ‘11 had almost 25% more Grenache than this, and was definitely lighter, spicer and had more acidity. This was dark and brooding and had more tannin on the finish. Fresh squeezed ripe blueberries and blackberries with peppercorn strip and charred plum. Obviously young, I re-corked and will update tomorrow...
Day 2: More floral up front on the nose and more savory on the palate with graphite and herbs de Provence. Decidedly more red fruit dominant at the finish...rhubarb and black cherry. More complexity for sure. Enjoyable now if given a 2hr decant, or hold for 2-3 more years.
Awesome first time for me. This mostly Grenache (on label) loaded with intense black fruits that jumped from the glass. Liquorish flavors with plum . It kept getting better and better all night. CB 97+ in my book 2013 Vintage
Awesome first time for me. This mostly Grenache (on label) loaded with intense black fruits that jumped from the glass. Liquorish flavors with plum . It kept getting better and better all night. CB 97+ in my book 2013 Vintage
Dec 6th, 2016
Developing nicely. The grenache shines here.
Developing nicely. The grenache shines here.
Jan 26th, 2021
Over 2 hour decant. Rich, powerful, earthy and still a refreshing acidity cuts through. Delicious now but will last for a while
Over 2 hour decant. Rich, powerful, earthy and still a refreshing acidity cuts through. Delicious now but will last for a while
Sep 24th, 2016
Wonderful. Very complex, medium tannins, medium acid with great powerful fruit.
Wonderful. Very complex, medium tannins, medium acid with great powerful fruit.
Jun 1st, 2020
An amazing wine. Rich, lush wine with aromas of floral blackberry, raspberry and dark chocolate. Just now opening up. Could lay down for a few more years and would be better.
An amazing wine. Rich, lush wine with aromas of floral blackberry, raspberry and dark chocolate. Just now opening up. Could lay down for a few more years and would be better.
Sep 7th, 2018