2021 Saxum, James Berry, Paso Robles, Bottle (750ml)
$195
97VM96RP96DR
Critic key
RP = Robert ParkerVM = Vinous MediaDR = Decanter
Product 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
RP96 "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
DR96 "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
RP96 "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
DR96 "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