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.
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.
Nov 30th, 2023
Canned pineapple acid toast and wax huge beautiful unique complex and fun
Canned pineapple acid toast and wax huge beautiful unique complex and fun
Dec 3rd, 2020
Celebrating the release of my book with wines by the first winemakers I interviewed, Justin Smith and Raj Parr. I remember Justin pointing out the chenin blanc he here blends with Grenache Blanc and Roussane. It’s a complex wine that benefited from air.
Celebrating the release of my book with wines by the first winemakers I interviewed, Justin Smith and Raj Parr. I remember Justin pointing out the chenin blanc he here blends with Grenache Blanc and Roussane. It’s a complex wine that benefited from air.
Aug 3rd, 2023A blend of mostly grenache blanc, and roussame with a bit of chenin as well. This is a powerful, complex wine.
A blend of mostly grenache blanc, and roussame with a bit of chenin as well. This is a powerful, complex wine.
Mar 6th, 2023This was terrific. Oak very integrated and very complex. Surprised by the bounce of acidity. Wears its abv well.
This was terrific. Oak very integrated and very complex. Surprised by the bounce of acidity. Wears its abv well.
Sep 3rd, 2022A big wine but the balance is impressive.
A big wine but the balance is impressive.
Oct 14th, 2020
Complex, stone fruit with a base of minerals. White orchid fills the middle with a lingering vanilla and spice to finish.
Complex, stone fruit with a base of minerals. White orchid fills the middle with a lingering vanilla and spice to finish.
Jun 10th, 2023
Wet rocks on a cool day, candied tropical fruits, some Asian spice particularly star anise, vanilla, all bottled up in a candle.
Wet rocks on a cool day, candied tropical fruits, some Asian spice particularly star anise, vanilla, all bottled up in a candle.
Mar 25th, 2022
Excelleny white from Justin Smith at Saxum, this is an unusual blend of grenache blanc (66%), roussanne (22%), and chenin blanc (6%). Hard to know how this might age, but it’s terrific right now. Threw a bit of sediment so it’s a bit cloudy - recommend standing this upright for a day before pouring.
Excelleny white from Justin Smith at Saxum, this is an unusual blend of grenache blanc (66%), roussanne (22%), and chenin blanc (6%). Hard to know how this might age, but it’s terrific right now. Threw a bit of sediment so it’s a bit cloudy - recommend standing this upright for a day before pouring.
Jan 30th, 2022
Honey melon, good acidity, big, pricey, 125$, touch bitter. 14.9%.
Honey melon, good acidity, big, pricey, 125$, touch bitter. 14.9%.
Aug 14th, 2021
Paso Robles, Central Coast, California, USA
