2009 Saxum James Berry Vineyard Cuvée
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Tasting notes
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.
Critic scores
Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
(57% grenache, 31% mourvedre and 12% syrah): Deep, bright violet. Intensely perfumed black raspberry and blueberry on the nose, with seductive Asian spice, lavender and incense qualities emerging with air. Sappy red and dark berry liqueur flavors are lifted by juicy acidity picking up suave spice and floral pastille notes on the back end. Velvety tannins provide shape but are absorbed by the lush fruit, which carries through an extremely long, sappy, incisive finish.
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 Rh?ne. 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 2/3rds 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% Mourvèdre and 12% Syrah.
About the producer
Founded in 2002 by Justin and Heather Smith, Saxum Vineyards is a leading Paso Robles producer of Rhône-inspired wines. Limited to around 8,000 cases annually, the range includes Broken Stones, James Berry Vineyard, Bone Rock and Rocket Block.