2010 Saxum, James Berry Bone Rock, Paso Robles 1x750ml

Vinous 96+

Saxum’s 2010 James Berry Vineyard endowed with serious energy and tension dark red fruit, flowers and spices. Rose petals and a hint of sweet spices add lift on an energetic, intense finish layered with huge dark red fruit. The 2010 is 52% Grenache (done in concrete), 26% Mourvèdre and 22% Syrah. [Antonio Galloni, 15/05/2013]

Anticipated maturity: 2013-2020

Robert Parker 99

Coming from a steep, terraced plot of head-trained Syrah, the 2010 James Berry Vineyard Bone Rock (90% Syrah and 10% Roussanne) is easily the most structured, intense wine in the lineup. Sporting absolutely off-the-hook aromas of smoked meats, black fruits, liquid mineral, pepper, and cigar wrapper, it flows onto the palate with a thick, incredibly rich texture that somehow manages to stay light and fresh. A total behemoth, it needs time to fully flesh out, yet is up there with some of the most monumental young wines I’ve tasted. It should be forgotten for 3-4 years, and then consumed over the following two decades. A benchmark estate for California, Saxum, under the helm of superstar winemaker Justin Smith, continues to produce some of the most compelling, profound wines on the planet. While Smith’s wines are always full-flavored and intense, there has been a stylistic change over recent vintages, with the wines showing more obvious tannin and structure, as well as additional minerality and savory qualities. These 2010s exemplify this change and are all serious, structured efforts that will need bottle age to blossom. Tel. (805) 610-0363; Fax (805) 238-2267; www.saxumvineyards.com [31/07/2014]

Anticipated maturity: 2017-2037