2009 Saxum Vineyards James Berry Vineyard

Description

2009 Saxum Vineyards James Berry Vineyard

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 Rhne varieties: Grenache, Syrah and Mourvdre.

Critical Acclaim

98 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.

97 James Suckling

Beautiful aromas of violets and sandalwood. Bright fruit too, with citrus, zest and mineral notes. Full, yet compacted and dense. Long and spicy yet minerally and fruity. Warm finish. So wonderful now but will age beautifully. Amazing elegance.

97 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.

96 Vinous

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.

94 Jeb Dunnuck

The 2009 James Berry Vineyard has shown brilliantly since release, and its still going strong today. Based largely on Grenache, with 31% Mourvdre 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 Chteauneuf du Pape from the likes of Pierre Usseglio, its full-bodied, with a wonderful wealth of fruit, no hard edges, and a great finish. Its another stunning example of the brilliance of this terroir and winemaker.