2017 Saxum, G2 Vineyard, Paso Robles, Bottle (750ml)

JD99 "A Grenache-dominated blend that includes 11% Tannat, 9% Graciano and 3% Syrah, the 2017 G2 Vineyard reminds me of a great vintage of Raymond Usseglio�s Chateauneuf du Pape Cuv�e Imperiale. Flirting with perfection and one of the greatest Rh�ne blends I�ve tasted from California, it offers a smorgasbord of sweet black and blue fruits, crushed violets, flowery incense, and pepper. With full-bodied richness, no hard edges, perfectly integrated acidity, and silky tannins, drink this magical wine any time over the coming 10-15 years. 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

VM96 "Brilliant ruby color. Ripe black raspberry, blueberry and cherry scents are complemented by suggestions of candied lavender and incense. Sappy and broad on the palate, offering concentrated red and blue fruit, cola and spicecake flavors that steadily become sweeter with air. Clings with superb tenacity on the gently chewy finish, which features harmonious tannins and resonating red fruit liqueur and floral notes." JR for VM Feb 2020