SAXUM James Berry Vineyard

WA: 90

The 2020 James Berry Vineyard appears free from overt evidence of smoke exposure on the nose, although it is less intense, complex and nuanced than is typical. The palate is beautifully opulent and fresh in texture, although it transitions to an attenuated finish that displays slightly rustic, hollow fruit flavors and drying tannins.

VM: 95

The 2020 James Berry Vineyard is youthfully understated in the glass, showing just glimpses of its black raspberry fruit and exotic spices. This is silky and elegant on the palate, with creamy red and black fruits carried across a core of zesty acidity. The James Berry leaves the senses stained in primary concentration, along with a coating of dusty tannins that promise many years of development.

WA: 96

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.

WA: 96

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.