98 points Josh Raynolds (Vinous): "Saturated purple. A heady, expansive bouquet evokes ripe blueberry, cherry compote, potpourri, candied licorice and exotic spices, and a smoky mineral nuance builds in the glass. Sweet, palate-staining red/blue fruit liqueur, lavender pastille, cola and spice-cake flavors show outstanding depth as well as energy thanks to an undercurrent of juicy acidity. Plays power off finesse with a sure hand and finishes extremely long, sappy and precise, with polished, well-knit tannins emerging slowly. Drink: 2026-2036. (Dec 2020)"
97 points Erin Brooks (Wine Advocate): "The 2018 James Berry Vineyard is a blend of 64% Grenache, 16% Mataro, 14% Syrah and 6% Carignan. It has an intense, alluring perfume with loads of layers, its warm tricolored fruits laced with notes of aniseed, coffee, earth and blue flowers. The palate offers explosive flavors with surprising lift and freshness, silky in texture and finishing very long, layered and spiced. It's a lovely rendition of James Berry that presents its layered flavors in an unusually elegant frame. Drink: 2020-2032. (Jan 2021)"
97 points Wine Spectator: "A dynamic wine with a deep structure that unfurls on the palate. Offers rich and expressive black cherry and blueberry flavors that draw in accents of crushed stone, garrigue and fruitcake spices. The finish glides at length toward refined tannins. Grenache, Mataro, Syrah and Carignan. Drink now through 2032. 1,418 cases made. (3/17/21)"
Producer notes: "64% Grenache, 16% Mataro, 14% Syrah, 6% Carignan. This iteration of the James Berry Vineyard has got to be the most complex one we have ever made. The nose is not as lifted as the '17s were (I really love how forward the '17s are), but the upside potential of this '18 boggles the senses. It will only continue to evolve and surprise you in the glass... one minute it's all black licorice and fresh loam and then the next it's back to strawberries and shortbread! But wait, violets too?? Yes, so much violets. The mouthfeel is big, focused, and rich, but a little more structured than the G2. Silky seamless tannins. This JBV is one for the ages. Lay it low for a few year if you can. Alcohol 15.9%."
Product SKU | 338192 |
Producer | Saxum |
Country | United States |
Region | California |
SubRegion | Central Coast |
Appellation | Paso Robles |
Varietal | Rhone Blends - Red |
Vintage | 2018 |
Size | 750ml |
Color | Red |
Blend | 64% Grenache, 16% Mataro, 14% Syrah, 6% Carignan |
ABV | 15.9% |
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