"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."
— Robert Parker, Aug 2009
Saxum Vineyards: A Rhône-Style Revelation from Paso Robles
Cradled 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.
First established in 2002, Saxum has risen to meet the high standard 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 high scores from critics and waiting lists that stretch nearly a decade, a testament to their quality and lasting appeal.
Saxum Wines: Terroir-Driven Expressions
Saxum'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 a critic's darling, 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 highly drinkable styles that consistently receive high praise from wine critics, making them worthy investments that showcase the complexity of Paso Robles' distinct terroir.
With limited production and soaring demand, acquiring these California treasures 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.
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