(95-97+) points Jeb Dunnuck: "Lots of red and blue fruits as well as peppery notes emerge from the 2021 James Berry Vineyard, a medium to full-bodied, pure, incredibly elegant expression of this vineyard. I love its fruit, balance, and length, and it shows the slightly fresher style of the vintage while still bringing terrific depth and richness. It's unquestionably a gorgeous wine in the making, but it’s going to warrant 2-4 years of bottle age. (Sep 2022)"
97 points Eric Guido (Vinous): "The 2021 James Berry Vineyard bursts from the glass with a collage of lavender, violets, baking spices and wild blueberries. This is cool-toned and racy in style, with depths of crisp wild berry fruits offset by a bitter tinge of dark chocolate and a salty flourish toward the close. Structured yet incredibly long, the 2021 finishes with a staining of primary concentration and edgy tannins, persisting with a twang of tart blackberry. The 2021 is power and finesse in one package. Drink 2028-2038 (Jul 2024)"
96 points Matthew Luczy (Wine Advocate): "A blend of 53% Grenache, 31% Mataro, 6% Syrah, 6% Counoise and 4% Carignan, the 2021 James Berry Vineyard is a delightful and impressive snapshot of the singular Saxum style. It begins with a lovely, poised and polished nose of mixed dark fruits, crushed stones, citrus rinds, black tea and well-integrated new oak, becoming ever more savory with time in the glass. The palate is sumptuous and lavish in texture but admirably retains impressive clarity and focus. The finish is harmonious and long, glued together by a delicious umami character flanked by sturdy, chewy tannins and lifted acidity. It was aged for 22 months in mainly 300-liter barrels, 65% new, with a small amount of concrete amphora. Drink 2024-2036 (Jun 2024)"
96 points Wine Spectator: "Shows torque and tension, with blackberry flavors that take on notes of fruitcake spices, river stones and grilled meat as this brooding red proceeds to firm but ripe tannins. Hands off for now. Grenache, Mataro, Syrah, Counoise and Carignan. Best from 2026 through 2025. 1,310 cases made. (Jul 2024)"
97 points Eric Guido (Vinous): "The 2021 James Berry Vineyard bursts from the glass with a collage of lavender, violets, baking spices and wild blueberries. This is cool-toned and racy in style, with depths of crisp wild berry fruits offset by a bitter tinge of dark chocolate and a salty flourish toward the close. Structured yet incredibly long, the 2021 finishes with a staining of primary concentration and edgy tannins, persisting with a twang of tart blackberry. The 2021 is power and finesse in one package. Drink 2028-2038 (Jul 2024)"
96 points Matthew Luczy (Wine Advocate): "A blend of 53% Grenache, 31% Mataro, 6% Syrah, 6% Counoise and 4% Carignan, the 2021 James Berry Vineyard is a delightful and impressive snapshot of the singular Saxum style. It begins with a lovely, poised and polished nose of mixed dark fruits, crushed stones, citrus rinds, black tea and well-integrated new oak, becoming ever more savory with time in the glass. The palate is sumptuous and lavish in texture but admirably retains impressive clarity and focus. The finish is harmonious and long, glued together by a delicious umami character flanked by sturdy, chewy tannins and lifted acidity. It was aged for 22 months in mainly 300-liter barrels, 65% new, with a small amount of concrete amphora. Drink 2024-2036 (Jun 2024)"
96 points Wine Spectator: "Shows torque and tension, with blackberry flavors that take on notes of fruitcake spices, river stones and grilled meat as this brooding red proceeds to firm but ripe tannins. Hands off for now. Grenache, Mataro, Syrah, Counoise and Carignan. Best from 2026 through 2025. 1,310 cases made. (Jul 2024)"
| Product SKU | 349078 |
| Producer | Saxum |
| Country | United States |
| Region | California |
| SubRegion | Central Coast |
| Appellation | Paso Robles |
| Varietal | Rhone Blends - Red |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Size | 750ml |
| Color | Red |
| Blend | 53% Grenache, 31% Mataro, 6% Syrah, 6% Counoise, 4% Carignan |
| Ships To |
