James Berry Vineyard 2022

SAXUM

James Berry Vineyard
2022

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
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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Wine Spectator

- 97 points -

April 2019

Plush, polished and dynamic, with complexly layered blackberry, violet, garrigue, crushed stone and smoky pepper flavors that build richness and spirit toward refined tannins. Grenache, Syrah, Counoise and Mataro.

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Decanter

- 96 points -

August 2023 (Vintage 2021)

The flagship Grenache-based estate red from this esteemed Paso producer. The nose opens with plumminess, cherry notes, and fruit purity that shines through to the palate: bold, showy, serving dark fruits, a liquorice note and sweet toasted oak. The James Berry vineyard showcases potential realised in Paso Robles with expertly balanced structural elements.

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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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Jeb Dunnuck

95-97+ points

September 2022 (Vintage 2021)

Lots of red and blue fruits as well as peppery notes emerge from the 2021 James Berry Vineyard, a medium to full-bodied, pure, incredibly elegant expression of this vineyard. I love its fruit, balance, and length, and it shows the slightly fresher style of the vintage while still bringing terrific depth and richness. It's unquestionably a gorgeous wine in the making, but it’s going to warrant 2-4 years of bottle age.

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