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Saxum Vineyards James Berry Vineyard Grenache Blend 2013
100 Points Winemaker: "Called a classic JBV by Justin and possibly rivaling the sensational 2007, the 2013 James Berry Vineyard Proprietary Blend (45% Grenache, 29% Mourvèdre, 18% Syrah, 8% Counoise) sports a vibrant purple color to go with layered and decadent notes of violets, blueberries, blackberries, peppery herbs and crushed rock. Made in a more elegant, seamless style than the '07, it's nevertheless full-bodied, utterly seamless, silky and polished, with incredible purity and length on the finish. Pure class all the way, it will have 15-20 years of overall longevity... ...Needing no introduction for anyone that’s followed the Wine Advocate or the wine scene in Paso Robles for any time in the past decade, Heather and Justin Smith’s Saxum Vineyards continues to fashion sensational, world-class wines from a number of top sites on the west side of Paso Robles.
Ratings on Delectable
Shay A 
Monthly WTF group recap. Theme this month was “bring something special”. Normally we taste all of the wines blind, but we decided to do a relaxed night with amazing wines at a great restaurant. Spectacular evening! I normally lean toward Syrah dominant wines, but I’m really starting to appreciate Saxum’s play on Grenache. Lots of spiced red fruits here like rhubarb and peppercorn dusted black cherries with some sweet baking spices. Great acidity here and not remotely close to tasting like its ABV. Palate is similar to the aromatics with bright red fruit but has a core of black peppercorn, jerky and underripe blackberries. Very good right now.
Monthly WTF group recap. Theme this month was “bring something special”. Normally we taste all of the wines blind, but we decided to do a relaxed night with amazing wines at a great restaurant. Spectacular evening! I normally lean toward Syrah dominant wines, but I’m really starting to appreciate Saxum’s play on Grenache. Lots of spiced red fruits here like rhubarb and peppercorn dusted black cherries with some sweet baking spices. Great acidity here and not remotely close to tasting like its ABV. Palate is similar to the aromatics with bright red fruit but has a core of black peppercorn, jerky and underripe blackberries. Very good right now.
9.5Shay A
Fun afternoon at Classic with great company. Glad you could join us Bryan. This was my contribution and I loved being able to try this alongside the ‘11 that Bryan brought. So different! The ‘11 had almost 25% more Grenache than this, and was definitely lighter, spicer and had more acidity. This was dark and brooding and had more tannin on the finish. Fresh squeezed ripe blueberries and blackberries with peppercorn strip and charred plum. Obviously young, I re-corked and will update tomorrow... Day 2: More floral up front on the nose and more savory on the palate with graphite and herbs de Provence. Decidedly more red fruit dominant at the finish...rhubarb and black cherry. More complexity for sure. Enjoyable now if given a 2hr decant, or hold for 2-3 more years.
Fun afternoon at Classic with great company. Glad you could join us Bryan. This was my contribution and I loved being able to try this alongside the ‘11 that Bryan brought. So different! The ‘11 had almost 25% more Grenache than this, and was definitely lighter, spicer and had more acidity. This was dark and brooding and had more tannin on the finish. Fresh squeezed ripe blueberries and blackberries with peppercorn strip and charred plum. Obviously young, I re-corked and will update tomorrow... Day 2: More floral up front on the nose and more savory on the palate with graphite and herbs de Provence. Decidedly more red fruit dominant at the finish...rhubarb and black cherry. More complexity for sure. Enjoyable now if given a 2hr decant, or hold for 2-3 more years.
9.5
Charlie Beatty
Buyer wineworksonline.com
Awesome first time for me. This mostly Grenache (on label) loaded with intense black fruits that jumped from the glass. Liquorish flavors with plum . It kept getting better and better all night. CB 97+ in my book 2013 Vintage
Awesome first time for me. This mostly Grenache (on label) loaded with intense black fruits that jumped from the glass. Liquorish flavors with plum . It kept getting better and better all night. CB 97+ in my book 2013 Vintage
9.7
Michael L S
Over 2 hour decant. Rich, powerful, earthy and still a refreshing acidity cuts through. Delicious now but will last for a while
Over 2 hour decant. Rich, powerful, earthy and still a refreshing acidity cuts through. Delicious now but will last for a while
Tom Wildenhaus
Wonderful. Very complex, medium tannins, medium acid with great powerful fruit.
Wonderful. Very complex, medium tannins, medium acid with great powerful fruit.
9.4
Carey Bailey
An amazing wine. Rich, lush wine with aromas of floral blackberry, raspberry and dark chocolate. Just now opening up. Could lay down for a few more years and would be better.
An amazing wine. Rich, lush wine with aromas of floral blackberry, raspberry and dark chocolate. Just now opening up. Could lay down for a few more years and would be better.
9.6
Jonathan Salky
Yes! Thanks @Graham Dresden
Yes! Thanks @Graham Dresden
9.3Kirk F
Wow. Massive wine. Opened an hour ago and now just fantastic. The finish sails on and on. Awaiting my 16oz Bone in filet at Manny's to pair perfectly.
Wow. Massive wine. Opened an hour ago and now just fantastic. The finish sails on and on. Awaiting my 16oz Bone in filet at Manny's to pair perfectly.
9.5
Bryan Thomas
Ripe and in balance - very nice
Ripe and in balance - very nice
9.3Stacey Land
There is something about this blend from Paso that just works for me. Great acidity, amazing mouthful of dark fruit, leather and violets.
There is something about this blend from Paso that just works for me. Great acidity, amazing mouthful of dark fruit, leather and violets.
9.2
See all reviews and ratings on Delectable WARNING: DRINKING DISTILLED SPIRITS, BEER, COOLERS, WINE AND OTHER ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES MAY INCREASE CANCER RISK, AND, DURING PREGNANCY, CAN CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS.