Benchmark Wine Cellar
Saxum Syrah Bone Rock James Berry Vineyard 2013 1.5L
The Winery
Saxum Vineyards
Saxum Vineyard’s founder, Justin Smith, is Paso Robles first vintner to be raised in the vines, and has developed a deep respect for each of his seven vineyard sites and the Rhone style wines he produces. The high quality, low yielding winery is credited for revolutionizing Paso Robles winemaking.
Their Templeton Gap/Willow Creek location is characterized by rocky calcareous soils, steep hillsides, perfectly sunny days and cool breezes from the Pacific Ocean. This Central Coast rock star focuses on producing Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre blends; crafting some of the most sought after and expensive wines in Paso Robles history.
The production is up to 4,000 cases with 38 of his wines scoring over 95 points by the Wine Advocate and Saxum’s 2007 James Berry Vineyard earning Wine Spectator’s 2010 Wine of the Year. Smith eagerly shares his experiences and knowledge with his neighbor winemakers and utilizes the help from his childhood friends in the cellar. Uniqueness and creativity is found on the bottle as their labels are crafted by a local artist, making it as highly expressive as their wines.
Summary
The Saxum Syrah Bone Rock from the 2013 vintage is a powerful and structured wine from the esteemed James Berry Vineyard in California. Composed predominantly of Syrah (80%), with Mourvèdre, Grenache, and Roussanne, this wine showcases an impressive array of flavors, including black raspberries, floral notes, and a hint of crushed rock. Its full-bodied profile is complemented by ripe tannins and vibrant acidity, lending depth and complexity. The finish is long-lasting and mineral-driven, suggesting great aging potential. Produced in limited quantities, it reflects the unique terroir of the Bone Rock terrace, making it a rare gem for collectors.
Tasting Notes
- WS96
- An imposing wine, rich and powerfully built, revealing a sense of personality and place. Distinctive aromas of crushed stone and floral blackberry combine with densely structured and complex flavors of black raspberry, bitter chocolate and smoked pepper. Finishes with burly but ripe tannins. Needs time to fully bloom. Syrah, Mourvèdre, Grenache and Roussanne. Best from 2019 through 2029.
- WA99
- Flirting with perfection, the 2013 Syrah James Berry Vineyard Bone Rock is one of the wines of the vintage. Made from 80% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre and 5% each of Grenache and Roussanne, which saw a big chuck of whole clusters, it offers sensational aromas and flavors of black raspberries, violets, pepper and crushed rock that literally come leaping out of the glass. Full-bodied, seamless, elegant, yet concentrated and incredibly pure, with a finish that won't quit, this beauty will stand beside some of the greatest Hermitages out there. Give bottles 3-4 years and enjoy over the following 10-15 years. Unfortunately, due to ridiculously low yields, there won't be a Bone Rock released in 2014 or 2015, so don't miss this beauty!
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