2023 Saxum, G2 Vineyard, Paso Robles, Bottle (750ml)

JD98 "Based on 72% Grenache, 13% Syrah, 6% Mataro, 5% Graciano, and 4% Carignan, aged 22 months in a mix of amphora and French oak, the 2023 G2 Vineyard boasts a sensational perfume of dark berries, black cherries, scorched earth, graphite, and peppery, floral nuances. It's full-bodied, with a seamless, textured mouthfeel, ripe yet polished tannins, and that rare mix of richness with elegance. This shows the warmer style of the vintage while staying light on its feet and, oh, so drinkable. I love it today, yet it has at least 15 years of prime drinking ahead of it. Drink 2025-2040.I’ve been raving about the wines from Justin Smith’s Saxum estate for close to two decades now, and at times I feel like a broken record. That said, the quality this family consistently delivers is jaw-dropping year after year. I don’t recommend many mailing lists, but this is certainly one to be on. Looking at the 2023s, the wines are brilliant across the board. They reflect the longer, cooler style of the vintage while staying true to form, with serious richness and depth. The 2022s are much more open and expressive, showing the sunny personality of the year. They still have plenty of structure, and I suspect they’ll age beautifully. It’s also worth noting that as Cayucos Ridge continues to come online, Justin is moving more and more toward estate-only fruit. As a result, 2023 will be the final vintage for both Heart Stone and Paderewski. He’s still holding onto a bit of G2 fruit, but we’ll see how long that lasts. At the same time, a new cuvée called The Old Blocks will replace the former Hexe release, although it will no longer include any G2 fruit. (Drink between 2025-2040)" Jeb Dunnuck, Aug 2025