Saxum James Berry Vineyard Proprietary Red 2009
Saxum
The James Berry Vineyard, the Smith family's estate vineyard, is located only 10 miles from the Pacific Ocean with an average elevation of 1200 feet. A series of slopes with shallow clay loam topsoil over an ancient seabed, complete with fossilized shells and sharks teeth. The cuvee is now always a red fruit driven Grenache based blend, with a large portion of Mourvedre for texture, and Syrah as spicy support. Aged for 18-20 months in a variety of vessels, with the Grenache portion aging in concrete tank and larger puncheons, and the Mourvedre and Syrah aging in the smaller French barrels with a higher percentage of them new. The wine is always rich and layered, with raspberries and blackberries leading the way along with Provencial herbs and smooth dense tannins. Like all our wines, they are never racked off their lees and are bottled unfined and unfiltered.
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? The 2009 James Berry is a bit of departure from previous vintages. This is the highest percentage of Grenache ever used in the blend, and a large portion of the Grenache was aged in concrete, an approach Smith has borrowed from producers in the Rhone. Originally Smith had intended to age less of the Grenache components in concrete, but the low yields of the vintage forced him to age about two-thirds of the Grenache in concrete. Call it a happy coincidence, but it certainly looks like things turned out well. Readers should do whatever they can to taste this fabulous wine. In 2009 the James Berry Vineyard is 57% Grenache, 31% Mourvedre and 12% Syrah. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2021.
Score: 98.
—Antonio Galloni,
August
2011.
Wine Spectator
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. Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Syrah. Drink now through 2024. 820 cases made.
Score: 97.
—James Laube,
February
29,
2012.
Station Plaza Wine
In one word, amazing. Stars out with blackberry, plumb and smoked meats on the nose and takes over your buds with a bacon like flavor that wraps around your tong and lasts for over a minute. 97 on min. one. We double decanted this, meaning we poured it in a decanter then poured it back in the bottle. 2 ½ hours later a pleasant mint and black liquorish shows up. 98 +. Three to four hours later and this guy is screaming triple digit rating! 100 SPW. You get a bit of maple syrup and the finish lasts well over a minute. I would say this is an all out Paso Robles flavor monster that is the best wine I have had all year! 100 SPW – cheers, Kevin
Score: 100.
November
11,
2011.
All sizes are 750mL unless otherwise noted. Vintages and ratings subject to change at any time. All pricing and availability subject to change without notice.
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