2017 Saxum 4hearts Vineyard
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Tasting notes
Dark purple. Intense, smoke-accented dark berry liqueur, exotic spice, incense, violet and licorice aromas show outstanding clarity and pick up hints of espresso and cola with air. Deeply concentrated, mineral-accented black/blue fruit, floral pastille and bitter chocolate flavors become livelier and take on black cardamom and mocha nuances on the back half. Broad and youthfully chewy in texture, showing strong tension and finishing with impressive floral- and mineral-dominated persistence and dusty tannins that lend solid closing grip.
Critic scores
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Jeb Dunnuck
Erin Brooks, Wine Advocate
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The 2017 4hearts Vineyard is made up of 43% Petite Sirah, 19% Tempranillo, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon and 19% Zinfandel. Winemaker Justin Smith says this is the first vintage he decided to use some four-year-old air-dried American oak. Medium to deep ruby-purple, it has a very spicy, layered nose with aromas of nutmeg, warm red and black cherries, floral potpourri, aniseed and a fruitcake note. The palate is full-bodied with a very firm frame and just enough freshness, finishing a touch warm.
The 2017 Four Hearts Vineyard is based on 43% Petite Sirah and 19% each of Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Zinfandel, brought up 40% new American oak and the balance in French oak. It has a ripe, sexy, (almost Ridge-like) bouquet of blueberries, vanilla spice, exotic flowers, and candied orange blossom. Juicy, medium to full-bodied, beautifully textured, and elegant on the palate, this juicy, complex, and elegant red brings lots of Paso deliciousness. It's capable of keeping for 10-15 years.
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.