Saxum Somnus Paso Robles 2019

96-98 points Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2019 (Somnus) comes mostly from the James Berry Vineyard but includes some Cabernet Sauvignon from the Heart Stone Vineyard. There are roughly 600 cases of this full-bodied, powerful wine, which offers terrific cassis and darker berry fruits, some white pepper, graphite, and chalky minerality, ripe, fine, polished tannins, and a great finish. It's straight-up gorgeous at this point. (9/26/22)"

94 points Brianne Cohen (Decanter): "One of only two non-vineyard designate wines in the Saxum portfolio. Generous stem inclusion in fermentation resulted in spicy and tannic component wines from each lot that Smith thought would benefit from extended barrel ageing. The wine is inky purple in the glass with aromas of rich dark compote-style fruits plus herbal spices. On the palate, the tannins are well-integrated with heaps of dark fruit notes, including blackberries – a winning pairing with braised short ribs or duck confit. Drinking Window: 2023-2034.. (2/20/24)"

Producer notes: "I finally get to introduce you to this new cuvée, Somnus, named after the Roman god of sleep, because this wine gets to sleep an extra year in barrel! 44 months it’s been slumbering away. Back in 2019 we had a couple of amazing lots in our cellar that were so unique, and so incredible, I really wanted to showcase them. The problem was they were also extremely structured. The original plan was to give them the 33 month elevage like Bone Rock and Rocket block, but when it came time to bottle it last year it was still too beastly. Think velvet glove in a iron gauntlet. We tucked it back in and let it sleep another whole year, and when it woke up this time, it blew us all away. It is something unique for sure. Still a beast, but something very special. Something that I believe could only happen here on the Central Coast. It is another wine in this line up that has to be tasted to be believed, but understand, it’s not for the faint of heart. It is Paso