2011 Saxum James Berry Vineyard, USA, California, Paso Robles, Willow Creek Wine Review

2011 is a very interesting vintage for Saxum. They made great wines, some of the best from Paso Robles as always. But, it seems to be accessible earlier than most and they are drinking very well today. This one is no exception. Seems to be at peak right now and drinking great. Purple in color, ruby at the rim. The nose has black cherries, spice, slight floral quality and plums. On the palate, this has a great texture. Deep and tightly layered, it unwinds in the glass. Medium tannins that increase with air. Good finish. This will need big or spicy foods. It is a big wine, but not sign of the 15.5% alcohol. Should be at this level for five years at least, but probably won't get better.

Grade:

Score:

Vintage:

2011

Current Price:

$160.00USD

2011 Saxum James Berry Vineyard, USA, California, Paso Robles, Wine Review

Vintage:

2011

Score:

Grade:

Current Price:

$110.00USD

This was a difficult vintage in most of California, but Saxum seemed to handle it just fine. The wines, do, however, seem to be drinking a little earlier than most vintages. The 2011 Saxum's are ready to drink but no hurry on any of them. This one has at least another decade but it probably won't get better. That is fine because it is outstanding. Purple in color. The nose has black raspberries, smoke, black cherries, red currants and slight bacon fat. On the palate, there is nice black raspberry fruit with some black cherries over some pepper and charred earth. A nice backbone of a

2017 Saxum James Berry Vineyard, USA, California, Paso Robles, Willow Creek, Wine Review

Vintage:

2017

Score:

Grade:

A+

Current Price:

$180.00USD

This is a blend of 43% Grenache, 29% Mourvedre, 18% Syrah, and 10% Counoise from Paso Robles. Purple in color, ruby at the rim, opaque and bright. The nose has black raspberries, black cherries, minerals, char, slight spice and a bit or candied raspberries. Full bodied. Great balance. Lots of energy. On the palate, this is delicious. No sign of the 15.8%abv. Loads of black cherries, black raspberries with a slight char and plenty of minerality. Long finish. This is young but drinking well now. It will get better though. Drink over the next twenty years. Great on its own, it nee

2018 Saxum James Berry Vineyard, USA, California, Paso Robles, Willow Creek, Wine Review

Vintage:

2018

Score:

Grade:

Current Price:

$135.00USD

This is quite young but still delicious. It is a blend of 64% Grenache, 16% Mataro, 14% Syrah, 6% Carignan. Deep purple in color, ruby at the rim, opaque and bright. The nose is nice with black cherries, black raspberries, slight blueberries, some black licorice, floral notes and spice. Full bodied. Vibrant with lots of energy. On the palate, loads of black raspberries and black cherries with medium tannins. It takes some time to open in the glass but then shows a nice minerality. Delicious. Long finish. This needs another seven to ten years to hits its peak but is delicious today

2013 Saxum James Berry Vineyard, USA, California, Paso Robles, Willow Creek, Wine Review

Vintage:

2013

Score:

Grade:

A+

Current Price:

$165.00USD

This is a blend of 45% Grenache, 29% Mourvedre, 18% Syrah and 8% Counoise. 15.7% abv. Just a beautiful wine, albeit a bit young at age 9. Inky purple in color, opaque and bright. The nose is great with black cherries, black raspberries, black pepper, plums and char. Full bodied with a lush, rich texture. On the palate, this is delicious. Loads of black cherries and black raspberries with some pepper and spice. Light to medium tannins. Long finish. This should drink well for the next twelve to fifteen years. Great on its own, this will work well with meats or veggies off the grill

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

2011 Saxum James Berry Vineyard, USA, California, Paso Robles, Willow Creek Wine Review

Food and Wine Pairing Tool

Related Articles

2011 Saxum James Berry Vineyard, USA, California, Paso Robles, Wine Review

2017 Saxum James Berry Vineyard, USA, California, Paso Robles, Willow Creek, Wine Review

2018 Saxum James Berry Vineyard, USA, California, Paso Robles, Willow Creek, Wine Review

2013 Saxum James Berry Vineyard, USA, California, Paso Robles, Willow Creek, Wine Review

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