Producer Article
Saxum
Last edited on 11/6/2011 by Black_Pine
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Winemaker's Notes
This is a new planting, and like the Heart Stone Vineyard, I have been working with the owners from the beginning. It's a beautiful site located next to L'Aventure Winery, with very steep calcareous and siliceous soils. Meticulously farmed by Eric and Lisa Jensen, this is a vineyard that has vaulted to the top tier of California plantings. The majority of my blocks are on an east- facing slope, giving them gentle abundant sunshine. The wine can be described as opulent, full-bodied and luscious, yet it still has great definition, with a nose of cassis, raspberries, and toast, and a finish that just doesn't stop, we shall see how it ages, but given the great balance I think it will be 12-15 years no problem.
Justin Smith of Saxum Vineyards is focused on producing Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvedre based blends from the Templeton Gap of Paso Robles, California. We let our rocky calcareous soils, steep hillsides, and cooling ocean breezes speak through our wines by keeping our yields extremely low, picking fruit at the peak of ripeness, and using a minimalist approach in the cellar. Production is kept at a total of 2200-2800 cases per year divided between 6 different cuvees, Broken Stones, Heart Stone Vineyard, James Berry Vineyard, Booker Vineyards, Rocket Block and Bone Rock.
Winemaker's Notes
This is a new planting, and like the Heart Stone Vineyard, I have been working with the owners from the beginning. It's a beautiful site located next to L'Aventure Winery, with very steep calcareous and siliceous soils. Meticulously farmed by Eric and Lisa Jensen, this is a vineyard that has vaulted to the top tier of California plantings. The majority of my blocks are on an east- facing slope, giving them gentle abundant sunshine. The wine can be described as opulent, full-bodied and luscious, yet it still has great definition, with a nose of cassis, raspberries, and toast, and a finish that just doesn't stop, we shall see how it ages, but given the great balance I think it will be 12-15 years no problem.
Justin Smith of Saxum Vineyards is focused on producing Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvedre based blends from the Templeton Gap of Paso Robles, California. We let our rocky calcareous soils, steep hillsides, and cooling ocean breezes speak through our wines by keeping our yields extremely low, picking fruit at the peak of ripeness, and using a minimalist approach in the cellar. Production is kept at a total of 2200-2800 cases per year divided between 6 different cuvees, Broken Stones, Heart Stone Vineyard, James Berry Vineyard, Booker Vineyards, Rocket Block and Bone Rock.