Saxum Vineyards

James Berry Vineyard White Blend

9.38 ratings
9.41 pro ratings
Paso Robles, Central Coast, California, USA
Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Chenin Blanc, Petit Manseng
Top Notes For
Shay A
9.4

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
Michael Sinowitz

A 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, 2023
Aaron Rankin

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
Jim McCusker

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
Pinotman /// Andreas

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
Betsy Schermer

Betsy had this 5 months ago

Betsy had this 5 months ago

Nov 5th, 2023
Brian Messineo

Brian had this 2 years ago

Brian had this 2 years ago

Jan 29th, 2022
Bob Boyle

Bob had this 2 years ago

Bob had this 2 years ago

Dec 4th, 2021
Brett Bullington

Brett had this 3 years ago

Brett had this 3 years ago

Jul 11th, 2021