2018 Saxum, James Berry Vineyard Rocket Block, Paso Robles 1x750ml

Vinous 98

Bright purple. An expansive, finely detailed bouquet evokes ripe red and blue fruits, sandalwood, candied flowers and exotic spices. Gently chewy and penetrating in the mouth, offering intense Chambord, blueberry, lavender pastille and spicecake flavors and building botanical herb and mineral nuances. Shows superb clarity and mineral lift on the strikingly long finish, which features polished tannins and reverberating blue fruit character. [Josh Raynolds, 07/07/2022]

Anticipated maturity: 2026-2036

Robert Parker 94

Primarily Grenache with smaller portions of Mataro (13%) and Syrah (11%), the 2018 Rocket Block James Berry Vineyard is denser and firmer than the toned-down 2019 iteration, offering loads of plush fruit. Medium ruby-purple, it’s scented of roasted plums and wild berries with notes of blood orange, fallen leaves, dried flowers and spices. The medium to full-bodied palate has an abundance of grainy tannins, generous floral fruits and a long, flavorful finish. [Erin Brooks, 18/10/2021]

Anticipated maturity: 2022-2037