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 James Berry Vineyard is the Smith family’s estate vineyard. It is located 10 miles from the Pacific Ocean with an average elevation of 1200 feet.
Crimson in color. 15.8% ABV. 42% Grenache, 24% Mourvedre, 21% Syrah, 8% Counoise and 5% Roussanne. Heady nose of red and blue fruits, Whitman Sampler box, molten licorice and violets. Full bodied with just the right amount of acidity. Exceptionally rich and plush. Raspberry liqueur, blueberries, chocolate truffles and kirsch on the palate. The finish is long and supple. It is remarkable that such a big wine can ultimately present as balanced and polished but that is what Justin Smith does best. Drink over the next several years.
My rating: 95 points.
The 2023 version of this wine will be offered to the mailing list this Summer.
Current wines from Saxum are available via the mailing list at $138 per bottle. There is a several year wait before you can expect to receive an offer.