2020 Saxum White James Berry Vineyard
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Tasting notes
The 2020 James Berry Vineyard White is composed of 53% Grenache Blanc, 29% Roussanne, 15% Chenin Blanc, and 3% Chardonnay and spent 22 months in 66% new 600-liter puncheons. The nose is driven by rich, exotic, forward aromas of beeswax, baked stone fruits and sappy, oily intensity. The palate is dense and opulent, displaying a generously weighty texture balanced by the structure and poise that runs through the Saxum roster. The finish is rich and decadent, laden with ripe orchard fruit and dark spice flavors and braced with balancing acidity.
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Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Matthew Luczy, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
I'd put the 2020 James Berry Vineyard White up with the top Rhône whites in California. Based on 53% Grenache Blanc, 29% Roussanne, 15% Chenin Blanc, and a splash of Chardonnay, it packs an incredible amount of richness and depth while staying balanced, silky, and light on its feet. Ripe orchard fruits, toasted spice, brioche, and chalky mineral notes all define the aromatics, and it's full-bodied, with a focused, elegant, concentrated mouthfeel and a gorgeous finish. 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.
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.