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.
A number of us opened Saxum to accompany our dinners on the 4th of July. Thanks to those who participated.
The Broken Stones is a multi-vineyard blend, utilizing all the vineyards that Saxum sources from.
Dark crimson in color with some bricking at the edge of the glass. 15.6% ABV. 79% Syrah, 7% Petite Sirah, 7% Grenache, 5% Mourvedre and 2% Roussanne. Pretty nose of blue fruits, eucalyptus and flowers. Medium to full bodied with mouth watering acidity. Silky and rich with a sense of restraint. Blueberry, raspberry liqueur, barbecued meats and pepper on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. This Broken Stones was less about flamboyance and more about elegance. Stunning wine. I may need to rethink how long I age my wines from Saxum. Best over the next 2-3 years.
My rating: 97 points.
Current wines from Saxum are available via the mailing list at $98 per bottle although pricing is going to $132 per bottle with the upcoming release. There is a several year wait before you can expect to receive an offer but I suspect this might change soon.
I’ve written about Saxum previously in Winery Mailing Lists: The Fab 5 and The 2020 Zinfandel Chronicles Power Rankings.