2017 Saxum, Broken Stones Syrah, Paso Robles, Bottle (750ml)

JD97 "The 2017 Broken Stones is another full-bodied effort, yet it has a wonderful sense of elegance and purity as well as complexity. Deep purple-hued with rocking chalky minerality as well as notes of black raspberries, blood orange, incense, and flowers, it hits the palate with sweet tannins, no hard edges, a stunning texture, and a great finish. Saxum�s Justin Smith has hit a home run with these recent vintages, and his 2015s, 2016s, 2017s, and 2018s all have singular styles, with the quality remaining sky-high. The 2018s show the slightly more pure, fresh, yet concentrated style of the vintage nicely. While not yet bottled, these will offer pleasure in their youth as well as benefit from short term cellaring. The 2017s are more pretty, perfumed wines that don�t quite have the density of the 2016s yet certainly don�t lack for fruit. Most are already drinking nicely today, yet as with all great wines, they�re going to evolve gracefully. Lastly, the 2016s are some of the greatest wines I�ve tasted from this estate, and they offer massive, layered, yet impeccably balanced profiles that are a joy to drink today; they�ll also be a joy to drink in 10-15 years as well. As I�ve written more than once, there are few mailing lists worth being one, but without a doubt, this is one of them." JD Oct 2019

VM97 "Deep, shimmering purple. Highly expressive blackberry, cherry preserve, licorice pastille, Moroccan spice and potpourri scents are complemented by a smoky mineral overtone. Seamless and broad in the mouth, offering deeply concentrated black/blue fruit liqueur, cherry cola and candied violet flavors that become livelier as the wine opens up. Finishes extremely long and focused, with emphatic mineral thrust, rounded tannins and superb tenacity." JR for VM Dec 2020