Saxum Vineyards is located in the Paso Robles AVA of Central California. Founded in the early 2000’s by Justin Smith, a young winemaker who had previously been part-owner of Linne Calodo, Saxum leapt into the limelight in late 2010 when its 2007 James Berry Vineyards wine was named the #1 Wine of 2010 by Wine Spectator. Smith owns the winery with his wife Heather, and produces up to 2,800 cases of wine a year.
Owned by Eric and Lisa Jensen, the Booker Vineyard is extremely steep and rocky with a mix of calcareous and siliceous soils. Saxum leases 2 acres of East facing Syrah that produces extremely concentrated fruit with great acidity,
Purple in color. 15.8% ABV. 92% Syrah and 8% Mourvedre. Intoxicating nose of black and blue fruits, lavender, asphalt and a touch of pepper. Plush, opulent and voluptuous. Surprisingly well balanced. Silky fruits cascade across the palate with flavors of raspberry liqueur, cherry syrup, molten licorice and blood. The finish is exceptionally long and supple. Stunning wine that is in a perfect spot right now. Tremendous Syrah. Classic Saxum. Best over the next 1-3 years.
My rating: 98 points.
Current wines from Saxum are available via the mailing list at $98 per bottle. There is a several year wait before you can expect to receive an offer.
I’ve written about Saxum previously in Winery Mailing Lists: The Fab 5 and The 2018 Zinfandel Chronicles Power Rankings.