2013 | Saxum | James Berry Vineyard Proprietary Red

This is the 10th release of the James Berry Vineyard bottling. Of those, the last 7 have found their groove with being Grenache based but still having good doses of Mourvedre and Syrah and lately even some Counoise. This '13 vintage speaks of what James Berry Vineyard is all about. Power and structure balanced by soft rich tannins and juicy freshness along with a beautiful spine of red fruits and black licorice. No doubt aging part of the blend in large oak casks has kept it focused and fresh, but we used about 60% new French oak barrels to add some richness and spice. It’s yummy now but please let some bottles rest a few years to really get the most out of it.

Reviews:

• Wine Advocate: The 2013 James Berry Vineyard Proprietary Red is made from 45% Grenache, 29% Mourvedre, 18% Syrah and 8% Counoise (which Justin commented was a blend that was put together relatively late). It saw a big chunk of whole cluster (the Grenache was mostly destemmed though) and was brought up all in puncheons and foudre (the normal concrete component went to the Rocket Block). It offers up gorgeous notes of black raspberries, cherries, cassis, ground herbs and flowers. This beauty hits the palate with incredible purity, fine tannin and an overriding sense of elegance and finesse, backed up by full-bodied richness and depth. It needs to be forgotten for 3-4 years and it will drink beautifully through 2028.
  

• Vinous: An explosively perfumed bouquet evokes an array of ripe red and blue fruits, candied flowers and exotic spices, backed by a vibrant mineral overtone and a hint of smokiness. Utterly stains the palate with concentrated boysenberry, black raspberry, lavender pastille and fruitcake flavors that are enlivened by an intense jolt of juicy acidity. Shows an uncanny blend of richness and vivacity, with no rough edges and an endless, floral-driven finish framed by polished, harmonious tannins.
  
  

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.

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