Saxum - James Berry Vineyard 2021 (750ml)

Continue Shopping Add to Wish List

Price: $209.99

Qty:   Add to Cart

Producer	Saxum
Country	United States
Region	Paso Robles
Varietal	Red Blend
Vintage	2021
Sku	9085

 

2021 was a relatively cool year for us. Not quite as cool as 2010 or 2011, but definitely the mildest season we had seen in awhile. What makes this vintage interesting is that it was a dry season which gave the wines a different profile than the wetter years like 2019 or 2017. So what I’m getting at is it’s a pretty unique vintage. Probably one that comes fairly close to resembling the 2007 vintage. (I’m sure you all like hearing that!) It’s fresh, lifted and focused like you would expect in a cooler year, but has great concentration and texture from the dry weather. I’m happy to say the tannins are really soft and supple so I think it is a vintage that is versatile. Enjoyable in its youth (2-3 years after release, let’s not be hasty here!), but will age out very gracefully, with a long life ahead of it.

Shows torque and tension, with blackberry flavors that take on notes of fruitcake spices, river stone and grilled meat as this brooding red proceeds to firm but ripe tannins. Hands off for now. Grenache, Mataro, Syrah, Counoise and Carignan. Best from 2026 through 2025. 1,310 cases made.

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.