2009 | Saxum Vineyards | James Berry Vineyard (Magnum)

Strikingly complex, rich and fruity, this beautifully proportioned red delivers an initial burst of red berry fruit that echoes red and black licorice. This quickly gains traction and depth, with firm, layered tannins that give the spicy berry flavors a perfect foundation.

Reviews:

• Wine Advocate: Simply put, the 2009 James Berry Vineyard is one of the greatest young wines I have ever tasted from California, or anywhere for that matter. Bright, floral aromatics lead to expressive red fruit in this impossibly elegant, dazzling wine. A melange of rose petals, mint and licorice follows as the James Berry shows off its breathtaking clarity and finesse. Fine-grained, chalky tannins frame the exceptional finish. Frankly, I am surprised this is the first wine of the tasting. Where does one go from here?

• Jeb Dunnuck: The 2009 James Berry Vineyard has shown brilliantly since release, and it’s still going strong today. Based largely on Grenache, with 31% Mourvèdre and 12% Syrah, brought up in a mix of concrete and mostly used barrels, its still vivid purple color is followed by a beautiful bouquet of black raspberries, wild strawberries, crushed violets, Asian spices, and herbes de Provence. Reminding me of a great Châteauneuf du Pape from the likes of Pierre Usseglio, it’s full-bodied, with a wonderful wealth of fruit, no hard edges, and a great finish. It’s another stunning example of the brilliance of this terroir and winemaker.

Producer Information

Saxum Vineyards is a Californian wine producer in the Willow Creek District of Paso Robles. It is known for its portfolio of red blends produced from the key Rhône varieties: Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. The estate was planted at the end of the 1980s with a majority of vines now over 40 years of age. Located a mere 10 miles (16km) from the coast, unearthed fossilized whale bones have been discovered here requiring a jack hammer to plant the vines. Planted throughout an undulating landscape the vineyards are located on slopes at an altitude of approximately 1200 feet (365 meters). Saxum's portfolio now features a collection of proprietary cuvées. The Rhône varieties reign supreme, but there are small plantings of other grapes like Zinfandel and Petite Sirah, which are used in small amounts. Strict yields inform the limited production of roughly 5500 cases annually. The flagship wine is the James Berry vineyard red blend, made from Grenache with Mourvèdre, Syrah and Counoise. The Syrah is co-fermented with small amounts of Roussanne instead of Viognier, the white variety commonly blended with Syrah in northern Rhône appellations.

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