2019 Saxum, James Berry Rocket Block, Paso Robles, Bottle (750ml)

LP100 Bottled in June 2022, the deep garnet-purple 2019 James Berry Vineyard Rocket Block is a blend of 70% Grenache, 19% Mataro, 7% Syrah, and 4% Counoise. It was aged for 33 months in barrel, mainly hogsheads, about 2/3 new. It explodes from the glass with bombastic scents of crushed black cherries, red currant jelly, mulberries, and wild blueberries, plus suggestions of chocolate box, forest floor, lavender, and a hint of cast iron pan. Full-bodied, the palate has firm yet wonderfully velvety tannins, delivering layer upon layer of black fruit, exotic spice, and textural fascination. A refreshing backbone counters all that power and richness, finishing with epic length. Wow. 451 bottle cases and 60 cases of magnums were made.