Saxum, James Berry, Paso Robles

Saxum, Justin Smith's winery in Paso Robles' Willow Creek District, makes Grenache, Syrah and Mataro (Mourvèdre) blends. Its base is the family's James Berry Vineyard at about 1,200 feet: shallow clay loam over an ancient seabed where fossil shells have been found. The James Berry cuvée is Grenache-led with plenty of Mataro and some Syrah: raspberry, blackberry, herbs, smooth tannins. Bone Rock, from a steep terrace planted with old, head-trained Syrah, may be the most structured. Broken Stones blends every source, Syrah with Petite Sirah and Grenache. In the James Berry cuvée, Grenache ages in concrete and puncheons, Syrah and Mataro in smaller French oak; wines stay on their lees and go unfined and unfiltered.

Region

Willow Creek District, Paso Robles, California

Vineyards

James Berry Vineyard (about 1,200 ft, clay loam over ancient seabed), plus other vineyard cuvées such as Booker, Heart Stone, G2

Grapes

Grenache, Syrah, Mataro (Mourvèdre), Petite Sirah

Wines

James Berry Vineyard, Bone Rock, Broken Stones, Rocket Block, Heart Stone, G2, Booker and others

Style

Rich Rhône-style blends; never racked off lees, unfined and unfiltered

Website

https://www.saxumvineyards.com/

Sources: saxumvineyards.com, winespectator.com