Some Saxum and a Hoage (for the NBA Playoffs)

Yesterday was our annual SonkinCellars Meeting. We sampled our unreleased 2013's and discuss plans. The meeting had to be moved up to accommodate the Cavs first playoff appearance in 4 years. With this years team, there was a lot of excitement. The meeting ended and we sat down to watch the game. As we already have a couple of glasses in us, we went big with the next wines. All of these were made by Justin Smith so we began texting back and forth with him while watching the Cavs beat the Celtics in game 1. Great wines, and a great time. Saxum is probably my favorite winery and I know some don't appreciate them. Each to their own. There is a lot of alcohol and even if you don't taste it, you feel it. Luckily I was home, it was an afternoon game, and I got a good nights sleep. The wines were consumed non-blind over a few hours.

• 2003 Terry Hoage Vineyards Syrah The Hedge 92 Points

  USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles

  Its been a while since I tried this. At first taste it seemed a bit over the hill, but with some air it revived and was drinking quite well. Purple in color. The nose has lots of black raspberry fruit with a dried fruit quality. On opening there is a lot of alcohol on the nose but with some air, it smoothes out. Tom and I discussed the dried fruit, not quite rasined, more like dry figs. The palate is much purer than the nose. No taste of alcohol. There is some complexity here. Plenty of black raspberry fruit. Still delicious. Perhaps a bit past peak, but still drinking well.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2006 Saxum 32 Month Barrel Age James Berry Vineyard 98 Points

  USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles

  Wow. I had not had a bottle in a while and this is rocking good. Despite having a few glasses already, both Tom and I did a double take on first sip. This is one of the extended aged wines Justin did, but we learned this is actually half Rocket Block and half Bone Rock. Good thing I didn't know that or I might not have opened it. ;-) The nose is very nice with black raspberries, some raspberries, grilled meats, lavender, and spices. As pretty as it is, the palate is better. Seamless. The wine is powerful yet spry like Ali in his prime. Great black raspberry fruit with layers of complexity and earth. A coating texture that make you want to drink faster and take another sip. Long finish. Truly a Wow wine. If anyone has any left, congrats and now is the time to at least check in on it.

  Post a Comment / 2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2007 Saxum Syrah Booker Vineyard 98 Points

  USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles

  So, what to drink next? Can't go back down, so this was pulled. It held it's own. Saxum crushed it in 07 and although these are still young and not at peak, this was drinking great. Inky purple in color. Black raspberries, gamey meat, violets and spice on the nose. With air, slight camphor notes. Pretty and complex. On the palate, this is so delicious. Not as complex as the nose, but quite deep with great texture. Lots of juicy black raspberry fruit, some layered earthiness. Despite its size, still light in its feet. Long finish. Gorgeous wine.

  Post a Comment / 2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue

Go Cavs!