Killer notes of black raspberries, blueberries, sappy spring flowers, pepper, violets, and herbes de Provence-like nuances all emerge from the 2022 James Berry Vineyard, a medium to full-bodied, round, supple, layered beauty based on 48% Grenache, 34% Mataro, 8% Syrah, 8% Counoise, and 2% Carignan raised in 48% new barrels. It has ripe tannins, a terrific sense of freshness, and a great finish. A blend of 48% Grenache, 34% Mourvèdre, and the rest Syrah, Counoise, and Carignan, it's another sensational wine from the genius of Justin Smith. It needs 2-3 years of bottle age and will age like a great Châteauneuf du Pape over the following 15+ years.
97 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Sep 2024)
The 2022 James Berry Vineyard is a blend of 48% Grenache, 34% Mataro, 8% Syrah, 8% Counoise and 2% Carignan aged 22 months in a mixture of 300-liter and 600-liter barrels with 12% concrete amphora. It opens with a beaming, energetic nose of red berry compote, citrus rinds and mulberry jam. The palate is rich and powerful but elegant and charming, balancing plush ripeness with coiled reserves of tension. The finish takes a savory and meaty turn, braced with quenching acidity and swelling, precise and fine tannins. Harvested before the late-vintage heat waves, this wine beautifully displays its signature deft touch and will be fascinating to watch develop in the cellar.
95 points, Matthew Luczy, Wine Advocate (Jun 2024)
The 2022 James Berry Vineyard is impossible to ignore. A cascade of violet and rose tones gives way to mentholated herbs and sour cherries. This is full of zesty energy, with racy acidity and crisp red and blue fruits that slowly saturate toward the close. Tactile mineral tones combine with crunchy tannins and hints of licorice. The 2022 finishes with dramatic length and hints of salted licorice. The energy here is off the charts despite the warmth of the vintage. This darling will win a lot of hearts.
95 points, Eric Guido, Vinous (Jul 2024)
The 2022 James Berry Vineyard is composed of 48% Grenache, 34% Mataro, 8% Syrah, 8% Counoise, and 2% Carignan. It was aged for 22 months in 300-liter and 600-liter barrels, plus 12% in amphora. Medium ruby-purple colored, a stunning perfume erupts from the glass, featuring notes of lilacs, cinnamon stick, rose bud tea, and wild sage, leading to a core of kirsch, raspberry pie, and pomegranate. Full-bodied, the palate is jam-packed with red berry preserves and baking spice flavors, supported by plush tannins and beautifully knit freshness, finishing long and fragrant.
95 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Independent (Sep 2024)
Red fruit and florality on the nose signify the varietal typicity of Saxum's flagship red, a Grenache-dominant blend that also features Mourvèdre, Syrah, Counoise and Carignan. The palate gives a core of dark fruit (blackberries and plums) and sweet toasted oak. Expertly balanced structural elements, from palate-cleansing acidity to the strong tannic backbone, point to excellent quality realised.
95 points, Brianne Cohen, Decanter (Sep 2024)
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