2020 Heart Stone Vineyard

The 2020 Heart Stone Vineyard is outstanding and has terrific aromatics of smoky black fruits, ground pepper, grilled meats, and assorted spicy nuances. Based on 33% Graciano, 31% Grenache, 19% Syrah, 9% Mataro, 5% Touriga Nacional, and the rest Petite Sirah, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a deep, layered mid-palate, and the more focused, foursquare, firm style of the vintage on the palate. While it’s clearly not smoked, it is not at the same level as past vintages. The 2020s from Saxum are solid wines, although there are subtle signs of smoke in a few of the wines, and in general, the wines are narrower and more focused than normal, yet still nicely concentrated. At a high level, I think these are good to outstanding wines that will offer pleasure. Clearly the 2021s are a step up, and this is another brilliant vintage for winemaker Justin Smith.

The 2020 Heart Stone Vineyard is seductive in the glass, with a blend of crushed raspberries, dried citrus peels, sweet spice and lavender. This is elegant and graceful on the palate, with a wonderful lift to its depths of tart wild berry fruit. Sour citrus and balsamic tones add further tension toward the close. The 2020 finishes structured and long with a resonance of violette candies that linger. This blend of 33% Graciano, 31% Grenache, 19% Syrah, 9% Mataro, 5% Touriga Nacional and 3% Petite Sirah is built for the cellar.