2009 Saxum James Berry Vineyard, California, Paso Robles, Wine Review

Drop dead gorgeous wine. Still not quite fully mature but close. The only trouble with this wine is it get's drunk so quickly. A super crowd pleaser. Purple in color, slight ruby at the rime. The nose is great with black raspberries, black pepper, drilled meats and slight violets. Wonderful velvety texture. Great balance. Juicy black raspberry fruit with grilled meats underlying it on the palate. Long finish. Each gulp begets another. Works with hearty or spicy foods. Long finish. Just a superb wine.

Grade:

A+

Score:

Vintage:

2009

2012 Saxum James Berry Vineyard, USA, California, Paso Robles, Wine Review

Vintage:

2012

Score:

Grade:

I love Saxum, they are certainly one of my top favorite wineries. But, over the years, their styles have changed. Presumably, that has been consistent with owner/winemaker Justin Smith's preferences changing. For my tastes, 2012 was another year of change in styles. The wines became a bit more intense and need a decade to really strut their stuff. That said, with a bit of air, this one was delicious at six years from vintage. Deep purple in color. The nose has black raspberries, leather, roasted meat and black pepper. On the palate, this has a great texture. It is packed with delic

2009 Saxum James Berry Vineyard, USA, California, Paso Robles, Willow Creek, Wine Review

Vintage:

2009

Score:

Grade:

A+

Current Price:

$175.00USD

Stunning wine that still may yet improve amazingly enough. Ruby/purple in color. The nose has black raspberries, white pepper, slight clove, and slight roasted meats. It seems that with age, the Syrah and Mourvedre components are taking precedence over the Grenache. What a great texture. Full bodied, yet plush, yet light on its feet. Layers of black raspberry and cherry fruit with minerals and char. Still some tannins left. Some warmth (not heat) on the finish is about the only indication of the 15.8% alcohol. No harm opening now, but a few more years of cellaring is not a bad thin

2012 Saxum James Berry Vineyard, USA, California, Paso Robles, Wine Review

Vintage:

2012

Score:

Grade:

A+

Current Price:

$125.00USD

A blend of 43% Grenache, 29% Mourvedre, 18% Syrah and 10% Counoise. This wine is still on the young side but is open and with a bit of air, was drinking great. Inky purple in color. The nose has black raspberries, slight charred wood, black pepper, roasted herbs and roasted meats. On the palate, what a wonderful texture. Almost seamless. Juicy black raspberry fruit. Underlying char and roasted meats. Great energy and balance. This will continue to mature for the next five to ten years and be good for ten to fifteen after that. The alcohol is high, but there is hint of it although

2010 Saxum James Berry Vineyard, USA, California, Paso Robles, Wine Review

Vintage:

2010

Score:

Grade:

A+

From Magnum. Inky purple in color. The nose is great with black raspberries, plums, grilled meat, white pepper and char. On the palate, this has an incredible texture. Smooth and velvety yet powerful and muscular. Notes of black raspberries, spice and slight charred earth. This is deep and complex yet still has a long life left. This vintage has opened and shut a few times since release but seem like it has settled and is open. There is a lot of alcohol but it doesn't show up anywhere in the glass. One of those wines that each sip makes you want to have another. Spectacular wine.

2012 Saxum James Berry Vineyard, USA, California, Paso Robles, Wine Review

Vintage:

2012

Score:

Grade:

A+

This continues to improve. Inky purple in color. The nose has black raspberries, white pepper and grilled meats. On the palate, this has a nice juicy acidity. Medium tannins. Black raspberries layered with char and earth. Good finish. No hint of alcohol or heat. Needs bigger and/or spicy foods. This wine still needs about five years to peak. Then should be good for another 15 after that. Very concentrated.

2009 Saxum James Berry Vineyard, California, Paso Robles, Wine Review

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