James Berry Vineyard 2022

SAXUM

James Berry Vineyard
2022

Product code
82412
Format
6 x 750ml
Listing type
Open
Status
Unavailable
Type of product
Still wine
Country
United States
Regulated designation
American Viticultural Areas (AVA)
Region
California
Subregion
San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles
Appellation
Paso Robles Willow Creek District
Varietal(s)
Grenache
Colour
Red
Sugar
Dry
Closure type
Cork
Producer's website

About this winery

Saxum is one of the hottest wineries in Paso Robles, which is saying something, since Paso is pretty well as hot as it gets in California these days. Of course Paso is 'hot' by virtue of being cool, and the coolest part of Paso Robles is the Templeton gap in West Paso, where Saxum is located. Here cool marine air streams in from the Pacific Ocean, creating a microclimate that is surprisingly temperate for Southern California. Saxum's James Berry vineyard is perhaps the supreme expression of...

See the SAXUM detail page for more information on this brand

Press reviews

Jeb Dunnuck

- 97 points -

August 2024 (Vintage 2022)

Killer notes of black raspberries, blueberries, sappy spring flowers, pepper, violets, and herbes de Provence-like nuances all emerge from the 2022 James Berry Vineyard, a medium to full-bodied, round, supple, layered beauty based on 48% Grenache, 34% Mataro, 8% Syrah, 8% Counoise, and 2% Carignan raised in 48% new barrels. It has ripe tannins, a terrific sense of freshness, and a great finish. A blend of 48% Grenache, 34% Mourvèdre, and the rest Syrah, Counoise, and Carignan, it's another sensational wine from the genius of Justin Smith.

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Vinous

- 95 points -

June 2024 (Vintage 2022)

The 2022 James Berry Vineyard is impossible to ignore. A cascade of violet and rose tones gives way to mentholated herbs and sour cherries. This is full of zesty energy, with racy acidity and crisp red and blue fruits that slowly saturate toward the close. Tactile mineral tones combine with crunchy tannins and hints of licorice. The 2022 finishes with dramatic length and hints of salted licorice. The energy here is off the charts despite the warmth of the vintage. This darling will win a lot of hearts.

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Wine Advocate

- 95 points -

June 2024 (Vintage 2022)

The 2022 James Berry Vineyard is a blend of 48% Grenache, 34% Mataro, 8% Syrah, 8% Counoise and 2% Carignan aged 22 months in a mixture of 300-liter and 600-liter barrels with 12% concrete amphora. It opens with a beaming, energetic nose of red berry compote, citrus rinds and mulberry jam. The palate is rich and powerful but elegant and charming, balancing plush ripeness with coiled reserves of tension. The finish takes a savory and meaty turn, braced with quenching acidity and swelling, precise and fine tannins. Harvested before the late-vintage heat waves, this wine beautifully displays its signature deft touch and will be fascinating to watch develop in the cellar.

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