2018 Paderewski Vineyard
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Tasting notes
Opaque ruby. Expressive spice- and mineral-accented aromas of black raspberry, boysenberry, cherry cola and candied licorice take on a suave floral overtone with air. Sappy, penetrating red/blue fruit liqueur and violet pastille flavors show excellent depth and energy, while an undercurrent of zesty acidity provides support and vibrancy. Fine-grained, building tannins lend grip to the impressively long finish, which leaves sweet blue fruit and a repeating mineral flourish behind.
Critic scores
Jeb Dunnuck
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
The 2018 Paderewski Vineyard is a blend of 44% Syrah, 22% Mataro, 15% Zinfandel, 9% Grenache, 6% Tempranillo and 4% Viognier. Purple-black in color, it explodes to violet and lilac perfume with a core of black and blue pie fruits, sweet spices and aniseed. The full-bodied palate explodes with perfumed fruits, supported by very firm, ripe tannins, and it has a good juicy uplift on the long finish.
Bottled in April (as were all the early release 2018s), the 2018 Paderewski Vineyard is 44% Syrah, 22% Mataro, 15% Zinfandel, 9% Grenache, and the rest Tempranillo and Viognier. Deep purple, it has a wonderful bouquet of blueberries, wild strawberries, ground pepper, orange blossom, licorice, and violets. Beautifully textured, full-bodied, and both rich and elegant, it's a stunning wine to enjoy over the coming 15 years or more.
About the producer

Founded in 2002 by Justin and Heather Smith, Saxum Vineyards is a leading Paso Robles producer of Rhône-inspired wines. Limited to around 8,000 cases annually, the range includes Broken Stones, James Berry Vineyard, Bone Rock and Rocket Block.
Product details
Zinfandel/Primitivo, Mourvedre/Monastrell/Mataro, Tempranillo, Petit Syrah
Red
Dry