2018 Saxum White James Berry Vineyard
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Tasting notes
The 2018 James Berry Vineyard White is made up of 66% Grenache Blanc, 28% Roussanne and 6% Chenin Blanc. The nose is warm and toasty, with loads of golden fruits accented by beeswax, dried chamomile and salted almonds. The palate is expertly structured, its weightless, silken texture belying its concentrated, savory fruits, and it finishes extraordinarily long, lifted and fresh. I love the energy and fullness of flavor this 2018 offers!
Critic scores
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Jeb Dunnuck
Josh Raynolds
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Light, slightly hazy yellow. Vibrant, mineral-accented pear, Meyer lemon and yellow plum scents take on anise and chamomile nuances with air. Taut and chewy in texture, offering densely packed orchard and pit fruit flavors that are braced by a potent mineral undercurrent and a refreshingly bitter lemon pith accent. Finishes minerally, tight and extremely long, leaving citrus pith and floral notes behind.
The 2018 James Berry Vineyard White is straight-up stunning stuff and showed even better from bottle than barrel. Based on 66% Grenache Blanc, 28% Roussanne, and – wait for it – 6% Chenin Blanc, it boasts a medium gold hue as well as a rocking nose of caramelized citrus, apricots, honeyed flowers, and toasted bread. Rich, full-bodied, and concentrated, it has a terrific sense of freshness, flawless balance, and a great, great finish. It's up with the finest whites I've tasted from Paso Robles and will easily stand up to anything coming out of the Rhône Valley today!
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.