Saxum G2 Vineyard Paso Robles Willow Creek 2018

99 points Jeb Dunnuck: "Powerful notes of herbes de Provence, candied orange, violets, peppery spice, and both blue and black fruits dominate the bouquet of the 2018 G2 Vineyard. This full-bodied, deep, opulent 2018 has incredible purity of fruit, a seamless texture that's to die for, ultra-fine tannins, and a blockbuster of a finish. Based on 55% Grenache, 28% Mataro, 9% Syrah, and the rest Graciano, it's a borderline perfect wine that can be drunk today with incredible pleasure or cellared for a decade. This vineyard continues to produce some of the top wines in the vintage. Drink: 2020-2030. (Sep 2020)"

97 points Erin Brooks (Wine Advocate): "The 2018 G2 Vineyard is a blend of 55% Grenache, 28% Mataro, 9% Syrah and 8% Graciano. It explodes with layers of baked black and blue berries, coffee beans, aniseed and loads of floral aromas, chameleon-like as it sits in the glass and gains nuance. The medium-bodied palate offers fine, silty tannins and well-integrated freshness, with concentrated dark fruit flavors that gain amplitude in the mouth, singing on the very long finish. It's a tad wound at the moment and could use some time in the cellar, although it's stunning straight from bottle. Drink: 2022-2037. (Oct 2020)"

97 points Josh Raynolds (Vinous): "Saturated ruby. Powerful, intensely perfumed black raspberry, cassis, cherry liqueur, incense and licorice aromas pick up hints of violet oil and vanilla with air. Sweet, penetrating and focused on the palate, offering deeply concentrated red and dark berry liqueur, floral pastille, licorice and succulent herb flavors that show superb power and fine definition. Adroitly plays richness off finesse and finishes extremely long and sweet, with polished tannins coming in late. Drink: 2025-2035. (Dec 2020)"

Producer notes: "55% Grenache, 28% Mataro, 9% Syrah, 8% Graciano. Our new plantings at G2 have reached full production with the 2018 vintage and it clearly shows in the depth and nuance that comes through. The aromatics are on the dark end of the fruit scale, blackberries and cassis, along with plenty of chaparral, black pepper, and even violets! In the mouth there is a beautiful, full bodied texture with loads of fine tannins. Great focus brought forth by the Grenache, the Mataro adds a silky richness, and the Syrah and Graciano bring dark complexity and grip. This is not one to miss, and surprisingly, I think this wine is currently the most open out of the ‘18s. Alcohol 15.8%."