Broken Stones Vineyard
2022
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...
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The more Syrah-dominated 2019 Broken Stones (60% Syrah, 20% Graciano, 11% Mourvèdre, and the rest Grenache and Carignan) sports a deep purple hue as well as incredible black fruits and notes of ground pepper, smoked game, scorched earth, and truffle. It’s another pure, blockbuster styled wine from this estate that has some early charm yet the class to evolve for 15 years of more.
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One of the more structured, inward 2022s from Smith and a wine that's going to benefit from short-term cellaring, the 2022 Broken Stones checks in as 66% Syrah, 13% Graciano, 11% Zinfandel, and the rest Grenache. It takes some coaxing but slowly gives up wonderfully pure red and black fruits interwoven with classic peppery herbs, violets, savory spice, and floral nuances. Beautifully textured and medium to full-bodied, with just about perfect tannins, it needs to be hidden for 3-4 years but is one hell of an impressive wine.
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This Syrah-dominant blend gives a dark and stormy nose with blackberries, black pepper and black liquorice. The palate is dark, rich and complex, with firm tannins and a long finish. Rich fruits and figs dominate, with sweet vanilla and cinnamon spices and a lengthy, dark chocolate finish.
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