This is one of the first Saxum bottles that has not blown my socks off. Not that it wasnt rich, or concentrated or bouyed up by good acidity. This wine was still primary and showing little maturation. It was not a great match for Beef wellington. I will let my other bottles sit another 5 years
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97 Points. Absolutely stunning wine. Had with a 2018 Estate Cuvée at LPC in Paso with T&A. Powerful, balanced, robust, smooth, 10 years of age worked wonders.
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Decanted a few minutes before service - not even remotely fair. In the glass, youthful purplish-red at the rim, shading immediately to black at the core. On the nose, currants, blueberries, and fresh ground pepper. On the palate, saturated dark fruit, a slightly chalky texture, loads of pepper, and a structured wall of tannins that takes over on the midpalate and doesn't let up through the long finish. Quite possibly the most assertive tannins I've ever experienced with a Saxum bottling, and although some pleasure can be had here, it's really not even close to prime time. Tuck it away for 5-10 years before trying again.
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Opened and decanted through a vinturi.. The nose was all fruit. The palate was plum, blackberry, charred meat and tobacco. The finish was the same as all Saxum wines on and on and on.
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2 hour slo ox, then 4 hour decant. Still powerful after a good long aeration. Dark fruit with slight pruny note. Tannins which appear to be softening, but then grip in the mid palette. Somewhat monolithic. Long long finish. Very enjoyable.
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15.5% abv. Medium dark ruby, very aromatic. Blueberry, cassis, dark cherry, black pepper and spearmint. Powerful, concentrated, deep and long. Flamboyant and tasty!
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Dark, inky purple color. Intense nose of red and blue fruits, dried flowers, spice and smoke. Full and dense palate of dark berries, liqueur, floral, leather, spice and mineral notes. Savory and spice notes persist through the mid palate and finish. Tannins are smoothed...Full body, long finish.
A big wine to be sure, but not overpowering. More pliant and elegant than I would have expected. Was a perfect pairing for tenderloin or any savory/meat courses. Outstanding showing on this evening - based on this bottle it has a lot of life left in it, worth drinking now...WOTN for me
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Not as good as the bottle I had 6 months ago but I will attribute that to the 2 hour decant as opposed to the 4+ hour decants that I have previously given these wines. The nose was was all fruit. The palate was plum, blackberry, charred meat and tobacco. The finish was the same as all Saxum wines on and on and on. I am going to open a magnum for Fathers Day but it will be slow ox'd for 8-10 hours.
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This wine has some beautiful fruit that is overwhelmed by the ALC. I liked it even less this time as all palates of this wine scream alcohol. With a bit more balance I thin this wine could have been around a 94. Oh well.
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2 hour decant. Red licorice on the nose. Initial palate is also dominated by red fruit before giving way to a precise finish of inky blackberries, black peppers and anise. Just entering its drinking window with a decade ahead of it.
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After opening the bottle I decanted using a vinturi and it sat for 4 hours. Dark fruit on the nose. The palate was blackberry, raspberry, red plums with hints of tobacco and spice. The finish as usual with Saxum went on and on with a tinge of rose petals coming through - an absolutely enjoyable wine probably in its prime drinking window.
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I know subtlety is not the first thing you’d expect from this wine but it’s the broad and mouth filling thing you get. Depth yes, irrefutability yes, black opacity yes, but mystery too, and nuance. And something welcoming but impenetrable.
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Ugggggh.... corked. From the few sips I took, guessing this is amazing when it is on — good structure and the fruit was there, even with obvious TCA that worsened quickly.
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I opened the bottle and the cork broke so I decanted using a vinturi and it sat for 4 hours. Dark fruit on the nose. The palate was blackberry, raspberry, red plums with hints of tobacco and spice. The finish as usual with Saxum went on and on and on bringing out the subtle taste of rose petals. Most enjoyable. An excellent paring for the grilled and smoked food it was served with.
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Decanted 1.5 hrs. This wine is concentrated with notes of raspberry, cedar, cherry with hints of spice and damp earth. Tannins are prominent but well integrated. Long finish. I think this wine will improve over the next 5-10 years.
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Massive ham, bacon, cherry mix, sexy palate, pure silk with fine gritty tannins. Oak treatment blends in perfectly, baking spices, anise, light vanilla, great balance. I still think this one lacks the complexity I’d expect from most wines Justin makes. It’s still a very very good wine, just on the lower end from what had been produced in the past.
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one of those nights where not sure I was tasting right, but others thought this terrific and went well with Asian themed cuisine that featured beef or fish with Thai flavors...always a crowd pleaser
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Opened for an hour, then decanted. Bouquet was all roses when opened. An hour later, poured into the decanter - garnet colored.
First taste was just WOW. A bit of heat on the mid-palate but that was the only flaw. Another half-hour and wine was well-integrated, tannic backbone suggests another year or two, but no reason to wait. This is drinking beautifully now. Worked well with steak tartare, even better with short ribs with an Asian seasoning.
Will work well with anything with floral, berry or ginger elements.
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A big wine that is relatively light on its feet... I haven’t had saxum in quite some time and this was really delicious. Definitely could use a few more years in the bottle as the tannins, though sweet, are somewhat searing. But you can tell this wine is coming together beautifully. Starting with the end, the finish lasts 70-80 seconds; solid mid palate with deft weight... and the flavors range from raspberry coulis, ganache, sage, licorice, beef, etc. This is a very bright Syrah that will get better and better. And it’s already 98 points or so!
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Massive extraction, roasted meats, beef blood, strawberry, cinnamon, clove, good structure with fairly noticeable heat at the tail end. Drinks well now with a couple hour decant.
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Some great wines with Friends; 5/20/2017-5/21/2017 (The Barn at Walden): This was outstanding but did seem a bit shut down. Maybe that was just from being next to the 07 but it did seem to open in the glass. 2012 hasn't really been a vintage to shut down so... Purple in color. The nose is very nice with black raspberries, slight roasted meats and a bit of a chalky note I had not noticed before. It is big and wide but not showing much development at this point. Medium tannins. Long finish. A powerful wine to be sure, while delicious and drinkable, its best days are still ahead.
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PnP medium nose with peppery finish. Balanced throughout with convincing tannins. Beautiful finish. Excellent example of the power of syrah. Simple and linear now but with a few years will be special.
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Not my favorite Saxum so far, but probably not the wine's fault. I think this needs a couple more years to shape up. After 2 hr decant, nose was pretty closed for a Saxum. At first, it seemed to be lacking complexity, but after a bit, I think that all the parts are there, just a little out of sorts. Dark fruits, a big wine without being heavy. There was a presence in the mid palate, but I couldn't identify the flavors. Occasionally I got a bit of pungency right before the very long finish. Last sip was the best, so do yourself a favor and let this sit! 92 points at this stage for me, but I'm sure it will improve.
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Very consistent to the Saxum style, dark red fruits, great mouthfeel and spices. I felt this lacked some of the complexity I'm used to but it didn't take away from the fact this is a great wine, just not worth the price on this particular vintage/bottling. I remember buying Saxum in the 30's when it was a real bargain, I can't say it's a bargain at all anymore.
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2012 Saxum Bone Rock James Berry Vineyard Opened about 4:00, 6:30, first sip. Nose has that hint of something special, be it walking by your favorite burger joint or standing next to someone who makes your hair stand up. When ever I get one of those totality seductive noses, first thought, was that a tease or is this girl going all the way. First sip, like a hundred dollar bite of kobe or the first taste of sin, it is smooth. soft velvet, than a rich ride that says come back soon. Another big mouth full, love the way the leather fades off into the distance leaving just enought tannins to make you take another hit.
This was outstanding and very special from what I have had in syrahs. Almost a pinot noir look. Very light in color. Huge floral notes with lavender, rose pedal and wildflower honey. Really bright and easy to drink. I got a lot of 2013 Peter Michael La Carriere chardonnay notes on the finish and on the nose of this saxum. I loved this.
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11/18/2023 - Acohen Likes this wine: 92 Points
Deep dark fruit with plums, blackberry and blueberry and spicy finish
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1/1/2023 - larrybbaldwin Likes this wine: 90 Points
This is one of the first Saxum bottles that has not blown my socks off. Not that it wasnt rich, or concentrated or bouyed up by good acidity. This wine was still primary and showing little maturation. It was not a great match for Beef wellington. I will let my other bottles sit another 5 years
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12/2/2022 - leadpencil wrote: 96 Points
Deep purple. Full bodied. Black raspberry, limestone. Great acidity.
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7/10/2022 - nfafoglia Likes this wine: 94 Points
Nose of toasted marshmallow, smoke and scorched earth and lanolin. Seamless on the palate with blackberries. Long finish of black fruit and earth.
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5/20/2022 - Roi Vin de LBC Likes this wine: 97 Points
97 Points. Absolutely stunning wine. Had with a 2018 Estate Cuvée at LPC in Paso with T&A. Powerful, balanced, robust, smooth, 10 years of age worked wonders.
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3/28/2022 - jshufelt wrote: 92 Points
Decanted a few minutes before service - not even remotely fair. In the glass, youthful purplish-red at the rim, shading immediately to black at the core. On the nose, currants, blueberries, and fresh ground pepper. On the palate, saturated dark fruit, a slightly chalky texture, loads of pepper, and a structured wall of tannins that takes over on the midpalate and doesn't let up through the long finish. Quite possibly the most assertive tannins I've ever experienced with a Saxum bottling, and although some pleasure can be had here, it's really not even close to prime time. Tuck it away for 5-10 years before trying again.
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1/23/2022 - markcic Likes this wine: 93 Points
Opened and decanted through a vinturi.. The nose was all fruit. The palate was plum, blackberry, charred meat and tobacco. The finish was the same as all Saxum wines on and on and on.
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12/3/2021 - cubswinws Likes this wine: 94 Points
Silky smooth with nice spice and lots of black fruit. My wife said “ a tight little black dress”
Perfect description….
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9/3/2021 - Geoff Likes this wine: 95 Points
2 hour slo ox, then 4 hour decant. Still powerful after a good long aeration. Dark fruit with slight pruny note. Tannins which appear to be softening, but then grip in the mid palette. Somewhat monolithic. Long long finish. Very enjoyable.
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8/18/2021 - Mike Dildine Likes this wine: 94 Points
15.5% abv. Medium dark ruby, very aromatic. Blueberry, cassis, dark cherry, black pepper and spearmint. Powerful, concentrated, deep and long. Flamboyant and tasty!
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6/19/2021 - walkerjfw wrote: 94 Points
"Re-Entry" Party - No more Social Distancing! with Joe/Wendy/Harry/Anne/David/Andrea/Jim D/Anna/Bill/Ashley (Chez Walker - Princeton, NJ): From a magnum, decanted 4+ hours prior to drinking. Good excuse to introduce Saxum to this group of friends. Paired with the main course of tenderloin and grilled asparagus...perfect combo on a rainy Summer night...
Dark, inky purple color. Intense nose of red and blue fruits, dried flowers, spice and smoke. Full and dense palate of dark berries, liqueur, floral, leather, spice and mineral notes. Savory and spice notes persist through the mid palate and finish. Tannins are smoothed...Full body, long finish.
A big wine to be sure, but not overpowering. More pliant and elegant than I would have expected. Was a perfect pairing for tenderloin or any savory/meat courses. Outstanding showing on this evening - based on this bottle it has a lot of life left in it, worth drinking now...WOTN for me
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6/7/2021 - markcic Likes this wine: 93 Points
Not as good as the bottle I had 6 months ago but I will attribute that to the 2 hour decant as opposed to the 4+ hour decants that I have previously given these wines. The nose was was all fruit. The palate was plum, blackberry, charred meat and tobacco. The finish was the same as all Saxum wines on and on and on. I am going to open a magnum for Fathers Day but it will be slow ox'd for 8-10 hours.
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1/30/2021 - Wine Warrior 1 wrote: 91 Points
This wine has some beautiful fruit that is overwhelmed by the ALC. I liked it even less this time as all palates of this wine scream alcohol. With a bit more balance I thin this wine could have been around a 94. Oh well.
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1/16/2021 - cookie7 wrote:
2 hour decant. Red licorice on the nose. Initial palate is also dominated by red fruit before giving way to a precise finish of inky blackberries, black peppers and anise. Just entering its drinking window with a decade ahead of it.
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12/28/2020 - markcic Likes this wine: 94 Points
After opening the bottle I decanted using a vinturi and it sat for 4 hours. Dark fruit on the nose. The palate was blackberry, raspberry, red plums with hints of tobacco and spice. The finish as usual with Saxum went on and on with a tinge of rose petals coming through - an absolutely enjoyable wine probably in its prime drinking window.
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12/24/2020 - Rollerball wrote: 95 Points
I know subtlety is not the first thing you’d expect from this wine but it’s the broad and mouth filling thing you get. Depth yes, irrefutability yes, black opacity yes, but mystery too, and nuance. And something welcoming but impenetrable.
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12/19/2020 - ews3 wrote: flawed
Ugggggh.... corked. From the few sips I took, guessing this is amazing when it is on — good structure and the fruit was there, even with obvious TCA that worsened quickly.
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12/11/2020 - danielbleier Likes this wine: 94 Points
consistent with notes of 5/20/2018
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11/28/2020 - markcic Likes this wine: 94 Points
I opened the bottle and the cork broke so I decanted using a vinturi and it sat for 4 hours. Dark fruit on the nose. The palate was blackberry, raspberry, red plums with hints of tobacco and spice. The finish as usual with Saxum went on and on and on bringing out the subtle taste of rose petals. Most enjoyable. An excellent paring for the grilled and smoked food it was served with.
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9/23/2020 - ELH wrote: 91 Points
Competent, pleasant Syrah but somewhat flat and one-dimensional.
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5/19/2020 - spendergast Likes this wine: 95 Points
Decanted 1.5 hrs. This wine is concentrated with notes of raspberry, cedar, cherry with hints of spice and damp earth. Tannins are prominent but well integrated. Long finish. I think this wine will improve over the next 5-10 years.
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4/15/2020 - Coachron13 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Recent note was right on, it’s competent but not stellar. Plenty of other less expensive Paso syrahs out there that are as good.
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4/9/2020 - MikeCW wrote: 90 Points
Little disappointing with Passover brisket. No flaws but not exciting me. Chewy with violets, but not special. Competent on this night.
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3/22/2020 - bobvictor Likes this wine: 94 Points
Rich and lush in fruit. Multidimensional. Not quite yet at the level of the '07-08s, but this is excellent now and will continue to improve.
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1/17/2020 - jviz wrote: 94 Points
Candied, lacquered wine with ripe but not roasted fruits, beautiful velvety texture, silky and very yummy, but of a type
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1/15/2020 - DaninClearwater wrote: 92 Points
Decanted 90 minutes--better after 3 hours
Never really sang to me
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11/23/2019 - danielbleier Likes this wine: 94 Points
consistent with notes of 5/20/2018
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9/25/2019 - viking92067 Likes this wine: 94 Points
Very nice Syrah. Powerful and yet not overpowering. Did not taste nor feel the 15.5% Alcohol. Still young.
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9/13/2019 - Mootsie wrote: 94 Points
Nice Syrah based wine. Shows some age. Earth, dark fruits, kirsch, eucalyptus, anise, tapenade. Seems like it could go years, 7-10 yet.
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6/29/2019 - pakabear Likes this wine: 93 Points
Massive ham, bacon, cherry mix, sexy palate, pure silk with fine gritty tannins. Oak treatment blends in perfectly, baking spices, anise, light vanilla, great balance. I still think this one lacks the complexity I’d expect from most wines Justin makes. It’s still a very very good wine, just on the lower end from what had been produced in the past.
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3/14/2019 - mliszt Likes this wine: 98 Points
near perfect gave it an hour
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12/9/2018 - Mr T wrote:
one of those nights where not sure I was tasting right, but others thought this terrific and went well with Asian themed cuisine that featured beef or fish with Thai flavors...always a crowd pleaser
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11/17/2018 - pakabear wrote: flawed
Corked unfortunately, as usual Saxum has fantastic customer service.
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10/6/2018 - morewineplease! Likes this wine: 94 Points
Opened for an hour, then decanted. Bouquet was all roses when opened. An hour later, poured into the decanter - garnet colored.
First taste was just WOW. A bit of heat on the mid-palate but that was the only flaw. Another half-hour and wine was well-integrated, tannic backbone suggests another year or two, but no reason to wait. This is drinking beautifully now. Worked well with steak tartare, even better with short ribs with an Asian seasoning.
Will work well with anything with floral, berry or ginger elements.
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8/31/2018 - jonnyoro wrote: 98 Points
A big wine that is relatively light on its feet... I haven’t had saxum in quite some time and this was really delicious. Definitely could use a few more years in the bottle as the tannins, though sweet, are somewhat searing. But you can tell this wine is coming together beautifully. Starting with the end, the finish lasts 70-80 seconds; solid mid palate with deft weight... and the flavors range from raspberry coulis, ganache, sage, licorice, beef, etc. This is a very bright Syrah that will get better and better. And it’s already 98 points or so!
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5/20/2018 - danielbleier Likes this wine: 94 Points
plenty of Asian spice and chocolate to balance the blackberry and blueberry notes - well integrated but benefited from a decant.
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3/24/2018 - norsktorsk wrote: 94 Points
Big and bold. quite young . opened on an impulse. live and learn.
wait about 5 years.
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10/22/2017 - canan wrote: 97 Points
Misc US Rhone wines (Palaegade): Very young structure. Beautiful lush fruit without being over the top and just packed with fresh acidity. Loved it!
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5/26/2017 - sonodoc Likes this wine: 95 Points
Very smooth, with red and black fruit and a long finish. It didn't wow me like some other Saxum wines, but maybe with a bit more aging...?
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5/21/2017 - pakabear Likes this wine: 94 Points
Massive extraction, roasted meats, beef blood, strawberry, cinnamon, clove, good structure with fairly noticeable heat at the tail end. Drinks well now with a couple hour decant.
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5/21/2017 - Loren Sonkin wrote: 96 Points
Some great wines with Friends; 5/20/2017-5/21/2017 (The Barn at Walden): This was outstanding but did seem a bit shut down. Maybe that was just from being next to the 07 but it did seem to open in the glass. 2012 hasn't really been a vintage to shut down so... Purple in color. The nose is very nice with black raspberries, slight roasted meats and a bit of a chalky note I had not noticed before. It is big and wide but not showing much development at this point. Medium tannins. Long finish. A powerful wine to be sure, while delicious and drinkable, its best days are still ahead.
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4/10/2017 - Wine Warrior 1 wrote: 93 Points
PnP medium nose with peppery finish. Balanced throughout with convincing tannins. Beautiful finish. Excellent example of the power of syrah. Simple and linear now but with a few years will be special.
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10/22/2016 - floridawinedrkr Likes this wine: 93 Points
More closed tonight with a lot of alcohol on the finish. This needs more time as it evolves.
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9/4/2016 - Eric.S wrote: 92 Points
Not my favorite Saxum so far, but probably not the wine's fault. I think this needs a couple more years to shape up. After 2 hr decant, nose was pretty closed for a Saxum.
At first, it seemed to be lacking complexity, but after a bit, I think that all the parts are there, just a little out of sorts. Dark fruits, a big wine without being heavy. There was a presence in the mid palate, but I couldn't identify the flavors. Occasionally I got a bit of pungency right before the very long finish.
Last sip was the best, so do yourself a favor and let this sit! 92 points at this stage for me, but I'm sure it will improve.
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8/24/2016 - pakabear Likes this wine: 93 Points
Very consistent to the Saxum style, dark red fruits, great mouthfeel and spices. I felt this lacked some of the complexity I'm used to but it didn't take away from the fact this is a great wine, just not worth the price on this particular vintage/bottling. I remember buying Saxum in the 30's when it was a real bargain, I can't say it's a bargain at all anymore.
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5/28/2016 - shadow wrote: 99 Points
2012 Saxum Bone Rock James Berry Vineyard
Opened about 4:00, 6:30, first sip.
Nose has that hint of something special, be it walking by your favorite burger joint or standing next to someone who makes your hair stand up.
When ever I get one of those totality seductive noses, first thought, was that a tease or is this girl going all the way.
First sip, like a hundred dollar bite of kobe or the first taste of sin, it is smooth. soft velvet, than a rich ride that says come back soon.
Another big mouth full, love the way the leather fades off into the distance leaving just enought tannins to make you take another hit.
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11/2/2015 - MayValley wrote: 95 Points
Nose of smoke, sweet dark fruit, earl grey tea, etheric oils.
Very concentrated and persistent palate, dark fruit, plenty of tannins, long finish
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9/27/2015 - floridawinedrkr Likes this wine: 96 Points
This was outstanding and very special from what I have had in syrahs. Almost a pinot noir look. Very light in color. Huge floral notes with lavender, rose pedal and wildflower honey. Really bright and easy to drink. I got a lot of 2013 Peter Michael La Carriere chardonnay notes on the finish and on the nose of this saxum. I loved this.
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9/10/2015 - Wineson Likes this wine: 93 Points
Drank over two evenings. Very testy and very smooth. Very good.
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3/12/2015 - rdsboca wrote:
Andy Cohen
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