{"title":"Saxum Vineyards","description":"\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"One of California’s super-star producers, Saxum owns one of the state’s most remarkable vineyard sites, the James Berry Vineyard, which has been broken into a number of different blocks, all planted on rocky limestone hillsides. This estate’s approach to winemaking is decidedly artisanal, with extraordinarily small yields as well as a minimalistic winemaking philosophy. Proprietors Justin and Heather Smith, who seem much too young to be producing such prodigious wines, fashion separate blends from the different blocks of the James Berry Vineyard. They also produce a cuvee from the 7-acre Heart Stone Vineyard (also planted on limestone soils) and one from the Booker Vineyard.\"  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e— Robert Parker, Aug 2009\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eSaxum Vineyards: A Rhône-Style Revelation from Paso Robles\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCradled within the rugged hills of Paso Robles' Willow Creek District, Saxum Vineyards has emerged as a beacon of excellence in the world of Rhône-style blends. The soul of Saxum lies in its terroir. Perched on steep hillsides, the vineyard's rocky calcareous soils, which lend the winery its name, \"Saxum,\" Latin for \"stone,\" impart distinctive aromas that provide both power and nuance. Founder Justin Smith, a Paso Robles native, harnesses his intimate understanding of the region's unique character to coax out the true essence of each grape, employing meticulous attention to detail in both the vineyard and the cellar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFirst established in 2002, Saxum has risen to meet the \u003cspan\u003ehigh standard\u003c\/span\u003e set by another Central Coast phenom, Sine Qua Non (SQN), while carving its own niche in the competitive landscape of California viticulture. Smith's winery crafts Grenache, Syrah, and Mataro (Mourvèdre) based wines of incredible depth and intensity, often drawing comparisons to the cult wines of SQN. While Sine Qua Non may be the ultimate prize for certain collectors, Saxum offers a more accessible gateway to indulge in Rhône-style blends reflective of California’s gorgeous terroir. Both wineries boast \u003cspan\u003ehigh scores\u003c\/span\u003e from critics and waiting lists that stretch nearly a decade, a testament to their quality and lasting appeal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eSaxum Wines: Terroir-Driven Expressions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSaxum's commitment to terroir-driven expressions is evident in every bottle, as each wine offers a distinct and nuanced reflection of its place of origin. The flagship James Berry Vineyard Proprietary Red, a harmonious blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, has become \u003cspan\u003ea critic's darling\u003c\/span\u003e, consistently garnering high scores and even earning a perfect 100-point score from Robert Parker for the 2007 vintage. Other standout wines, such as the Booker Vineyard Syrah, The Hexe Grenache, and the Broken Stones Proprietary Red, are \u003cspan\u003ehighly drinkable\u003c\/span\u003e styles that consistently receive high praise from wine critics, making them worthy investments that showcase the complexity of Paso Robles' distinct terroir.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith limited production and soaring demand, acquiring these \u003cspan\u003eCalifornia treasures\u003c\/span\u003e can be a challenge, but for those fortunate enough to acquire them, the experience is nothing short of extraordinary. Whether you're an SQN enthusiast eager to explore new horizons or a Saxum devotee looking to expand your collection, the captivating styles of Saxum Vineyards are worthy additions to any cellar.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"2020-saxum-james-berry-rocket-block-paso-robles-bottle-750ml","title":"2020 Saxum, James Berry Rocket Block, Paso Robles, Bottle (750ml)","description":"DR95 \"This is a Grenache-dominant blend from the ‘favourite’ Grenache block of the estate James Berry Vineyard that gives a lighter, more ethereal side of Saxum. A powerful wine wrapped in a cloak of delicacy, with a persistent finish of dark fruit and liquorice notes. On the nose, ripe red fruits from the California sun, black pepper, and baking spices are confirmed on the palate.\" BC for DR Feb 2024\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nVM94 \"The 2020 Rocket Block mixes savory and sweet with an array of plum sauce, sage, black raspberries and cloves. This washes across the palate like liquid velvet, with bitter red and blue fruits that are perfectly contrasted by violet pastille and a core of juicy acidity. Staining and long, just gently tannic and full of energy, this slowly fades with citrus-laced blackberries notes.\" EC for VM Jun 2024","brand":"Saxum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47953520328941,"sku":"USR:SAX:ROCK-0750-2020-F0L0C0","price":198.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0319\/8592\/6203\/files\/USRSAXROCK-0750-2020-F0L0C0.jpg?v=1748040406"},{"product_id":"2020-saxum-james-berry-bone-rock-paso-robles-bottle-750ml","title":"2020 Saxum, James Berry Bone Rock, Paso Robles, Bottle (750ml)","description":"","brand":"Saxum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49788226371821,"sku":"USR:SAX:BONE-0750-2020-F0L0C0","price":205.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0319\/8592\/6203\/files\/USRSAXBONE-0750-2020-F0L0C0.jpg?v=1777074087"},{"product_id":"2021-saxum-james-berry-paso-robles-bottle-750ml","title":"2021 Saxum, James Berry, Paso Robles, Bottle (750ml)","description":"VM97 \"The 2021 James Berry Vineyard bursts from the glass with a collage of lavender, violets, baking spices and wild blueberries. This is cool-toned and racy in style, with depths of crisp wild berry fruits offset by a bitter tinge of dark chocolate and a salty flourish toward the close. Structured yet incredibly long, the 2021 finishes with a staining of primary concentration and edgy tannins, persisting with a twang of tart blackberry. The 2021 is power and finesse in one package.\" EG for VM June 2024\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nRP96 \"A blend of 53% Grenache, 31% Mataro, 6% Syrah, 6% Counoise and 4% Carignan, the 2021 James Berry Vineyard is a delightful and impressive snapshot of the singular Saxum style. It begins with a lovely, poised and polished nose of mixed dark fruits, crushed stones, citrus rinds, black tea and well-integrated new oak, becoming ever more savory with time in the glass. The palate is sumptuous and lavish in texture but admirably retains impressive clarity and focus. The finish is harmonious and long, glued together by a delicious umami character flanked by sturdy, chewy tannins and lifted acidity. It was aged for 22 months in mainly 300-liter barrels, 65% new, with a small amount of concrete amphora.\" ML for TWA June 2024\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nDR96 \"The flagship Grenache-based estate red from this esteemed Paso producer. The nose opens with plumminess, cherry notes, and fruit purity that shines through to the palate: bold, showy, serving dark fruits, a liquorice note and sweet toasted oak. The James Berry vineyard showcases potential realised in Paso Robles with expertly balanced structural elements.\" BC for DR Aug 2023","brand":"Saxum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49788226404589,"sku":"USR:SAX:SAXJ-0750-2021-F0L0C0","price":195.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0319\/8592\/6203\/files\/USRSAXSAXJ-0750-2021-F0L0C0.jpg?v=1777072957"},{"product_id":"2020-saxum-heart-stone-vineyard-paso-robles-bottle-750ml","title":"2020 Saxum, Heart Stone Vineyard, Paso Robles, Bottle (750ml)","description":"RP94 \"Aged 20 months in a combination of used 300-liter barrels and foudre, the 2020 Heart Stone Vineyard is a clear highlight within the 2020 Saxum roster. It opens with a fragrant nose of muddled berries, Angostura bitters, lifted citrus peel notes and an underlying savory character. The palate is ripe, plush and decadent yet bound with admirable energy, leading to a broad, meaty and powerful finish of massively staining dark fruits, drying, fine tannins and bracing structural acidity. It's a blend of 33% Graciano, 31% Grenache, 19% Syrah, 9% Mataro, 5% Touriga Nacional and 3% Petite Sirah.\" Matthew Luczy for RP Jun 2024 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\n\nVM94 \"The 2020 Heart Stone Vineyard is seductive in the glass, with a blend of crushed raspberries, dried citrus peels, sweet spice and lavender. This is elegant and graceful on the palate, with a wonderful lift to its depths of tart wild berry fruit. Sour citrus and balsamic tones add further tension toward the close. The 2020 finishes structured and long with a resonance of violette candies that linger. This blend of 33% Graciano, 31% Grenache, 19% Syrah, 9% Mataro, 5% Touriga Nacional and 3% Petite Sirah is built for the cellar.\" Eric Guido for VM Mar 2023","brand":"Saxum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49788228206829,"sku":"USR:SAX:HEAR-0750-2020-F0L0C0","price":130.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0319\/8592\/6203\/files\/USRSAXHEAR-0750-2020-F0L0C0.jpg?v=1777413418"},{"product_id":"2021-saxum-heart-stone-vineyard-paso-robles-bottle-750ml","title":"2021 Saxum, Heart Stone Vineyard, Paso Robles, Bottle (750ml)","description":"VM97 \"The 2021 Heart Stone Vineyard is an understated beauty, lifting from the glass with a burst of crushed rocks, wilted violets and citrus-laced blackberries. Cool-toned and racy in style, it sweeps across the palate with zesty wild berry fruits, complicated by a twist of tangerine and an air of sage. It leaves the palate drenched in primary concentration and crisp tannins, while a bump of residual acidity leaves the mouth watering for more. There’s gorgeous harmony here, which should promote a long and steady evolution.\" Eric Guido for VM Jun 2024 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\nRP95 \"It opens with the most savory nose in the Saxum roster, showing aromas of black pepper, exotic spices, new leather and burning incense. The palate is suave and forward but also restrained, framed with mouth-watering acidity and concluding with powdery, grippy and persistent tannins. A beautiful, understated showing within a lineup of fairly massive wines, this should be a pleasure to drink over the coming decade and then some. It's a blend of 31% Grenache, 28% Syrah, 21% Graciano, 17% Mataro and 3% Petite Sirah.\" Matthew Luczy for RP Jun 2024","brand":"Saxum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49788228272365,"sku":"USR:SAX:HEAR-0750-2021-F0L0C0","price":155.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0319\/8592\/6203\/files\/USRSAXHEAR-0750-2021-F0L0C0.jpg?v=1777073188"},{"product_id":"2020-saxum-paderewski-vineyard-paso-robles-bottle-750ml","title":"2020 Saxum, Paderewski Vineyard, Paso Robles, Bottle (750ml)","description":"VM \"Spiced black cherries, rum cake, molten chocolate and sweet sage form a bouquet that's impossible to ignore as the 2020 Paderewski Vineyard opens in the glass. This is elegant to the core, with a creamy wave of ripe red fruits that flow under an air of violet inner florals. Chalky mineral tones cake the palate. It finishes with tremendous length and structure, as residual acids work to maintain freshness, and black raspberry hints slowly fade. The Paderewski is a co-fermented blend of 48% Syrah, 21% Mataro, 18% Zinfandel, 7% Graciano and 6% Tempranillo.\" Eric Guido for VM Mar 2023","brand":"Saxum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49788228305133,"sku":"USR:SAX:PADE-0750-2020-F0L0C0","price":135.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0319\/8592\/6203\/files\/USRSAXPADE-0750-2020-F0L0C0.jpg?v=1777588134"},{"product_id":"2021-saxum-paderewski-vineyard-paso-robles-bottle-750ml","title":"2021 Saxum, Paderewski Vineyard, Paso Robles, Bottle (750ml)","description":"JD97 \"The 2021 Paderewski checks in as 48% Syrah, 19% Mataro, 17% Zinfandel, and the rest Graciano. It’s a brilliant bottle of wine, offering loads of ripe purple fruit, flowers, Jolly Rancher candy, and pepper. It’s full-bodied, has a rounded, sexy, opulent mouthfeel, and one heck of a finish. As satisfying as they come, its up-front, hedonistic style is balanced beautifully by the cooler, elegant style of the 2021 vintage. It’s up there with the finest vintages of this cuvée and will put a smile on your face any time over the coming 10-15 years or so.\" JD Aug 2023","brand":"Saxum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49788228501741,"sku":"USR:SAX:PADE-0750-2021-F0L0C0","price":135.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0319\/8592\/6203\/files\/USRSAXPADE-0750-2021-F0L0C0.jpg?v=1777073059"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0319\/8592\/6203\/collections\/Collection_Saxum.jpg?v=1726330757","url":"https:\/\/grandcruliquidassets.com\/collections\/saxum-vineyards.oembed?page=3","provider":"Grand Cru Liquid Assets","version":"1.0","type":"link"}