2019 Saxum 4hearts Vineyard
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Tasting notes
I loved the 2019 Four Hearts Vineyard. It's a bigger, opulent, more powerful wine delivering lots of smoky blackcurrant and darker fruits, notes of chocolate, roasted herbs, and graphite, full body, ripe, building tannins, and a great finish. The Cabernet really plays a significant role in the overall profile of this beauty, and this uber-rich, balanced, layered, incredibly impressive 2019 will evolve for another 20-25 years or more. The blend is 38% Petite Sirah, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Tempranillo, and 3% Zinfandel, aged 32 months in 70% new French oak. 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.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Eric Guido, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2019 4 Hearts Vineyard is intense with a darkly alluring blend of crushed ashen stones, balsamic spice, mentholated black fruits and graphite. This is cool-toned and racy, with crisp blackberry and tactile mineral tones. The 2019 finishes tannic and impossibly long, with balsamic spice and tarry black currants that linger on and on. The 4 Hearts is a blend of 38% Petite Sirah, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Tempranillo and 3% Zinfandel.
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.