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.
The Heart Stone Vineyard is a small 7 acre parcel planted on a gentle south slope of limestone and shale.
Bright crimson in color. 15.7% ABV. 54% Syrah, 35% Grenache and 11% Mourvedre. Sublime nose of red and blue fruits, creme de cassis, molten licorice and violets. Full bodied with mouth watering acidity. Exceptionally plush, silky and concentrated. Blueberry, cassis liqueur, smoke and blood on the palate. Tremendous length on the finish. Really delicious and easy to drink. Definitely ready to go. Best over the next 1-2 years.
My rating: 95 points.
The 2022 version of this wine should be released late this Summer or early this Fall.
Current wines from Saxum are available via the mailing list at $135 per bottle. There is a several year wait before you can expect to receive an offer.