Pop and pour. This needs air or cellar time. Inky purple in color. The nose has great black raspberries with black pepper and some roasted meats. Very young. Firm tannins. Great black raspberry fruit. Plenty of depth but hard to see the bottom. It opens slightly in the glass. The last sip three hours later is the best. Plenty of upside for this wine. It is delicious but if drinking it now, open it 12 hours in advance to breathe.
This has shed its baby fat and is drinking very well. Inky purple in color, opaque and bright. The nose has black raspberries, black cherries, spice, white pepper, slightly grilled meats and leather. Great texture. Big but with finesse. No sign of heat. Lots black and red fruits on the palate. Depth. Manageable tannins. Long finish. This is delicious. Drinking youthfully but no harm in opening now. This is great on its own but will work well with roasted meats or veggies. Indian food will work well too. Drink over the next fifteen to twenty years.
Mostly Syrah with a bit of Rousanne. The 2011's from Saxum are in a great place right now. They drink a bit younger than most of Justin Smith's wines. Pop and pour, this one was great. Inky purple in color. The nose has black raspberries, roasted meats, white pepper and "purple" floral notes. On the palate, this has a great texture. Big but not blowsy. Lots of energy. Good acidity. Notes of black raspberries over char and spice. Long finish. This was great on its own (with a cigar) by the fire but will work well with heavier stews and roasted meats, or even cheeses. No hurry, t
Hard to believe that a 16 year old California Syrah could taste so youthful, but this bottle was bought on release and well stored. 82% Syrah, 13% Mourvedre, and 5% Grenache. 15.7% abv. Inky purple in color, opaque and bright. The nose has black raspberries, roasted meat, roasted red peppers, white pepper and slight char. Full bodied. Well balanced. Great texture. Powerful yet agile, it is both huge and deft at the same time. On the palate, this is delicious. Medium tannins. Loads of black raspberry fruit with some minerality, white pepper and char. Long finish. Tasting thru th
Really great showing for this bottle. 93% Syrah and 7% Grenache. 16.1% abv. Inky purple in color, opaque and bright. The nose is great with black raspberries, roasted meats and roasted herbs, floral notes, white pepper and slight earthiness. Full bodied. Again, that Saxum lightness of being both enormous and light on its feet at the same time. No sign of alcohol on the nose or palate. On the palate, loads of black raspberry fruit with some roasted meats, minerality and juicy acidity. Long finish. Most tasters had this highly ranked. Drinking youthfully. This bottle was purchased
This wine has been troublesome since release with what appears to be trapped CO2. I don't think it is refermentation as there are not really any off odors that usually accompanies. It was interesting to try at 19 years from vintage. This bottle was opened and allowed to breathe for an hour or so prior to serving. Deep garnet in color, mostly opaque and bright. The nose is nice with black raspberries, very earthy, slightly sweaty, some roasted meats. Full bodied. On the palate, there is some carbonation. Not frothy but a line of bubbles in the glass. The wine is drinkable and pretty
