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Red

2018 Saxum Cuvée Rocket Block James Berry Vineyard

Grenache Blend

  • USA
  • California
  • Central Coast
  • Paso Robles Willow Creek District

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Community Tasting Note

  • Cristal2000 Likes this wine: 97 points

    October 1, 2022 - Bright purple, this is so energetic and wild it tastes like a barrel sample. Densely packed with abundant flavors of blackberries, layer cake, licorice and hints of new oak, this shows off incredible levels of concentration with sweet tannin and plenty of structure. It has the iron fist in a velvet glove nature that allows it to overwhelm your palate with flavor without the least bit of heaviness. Finishes super long and spicy. This is a baby right now and needs a few years, but it's fantastic.

    2 people found this helpful 4,647 views

8 Comments

  • Big&Bold707 commented:

    1/5/23, 2:05 PM - What’s up Cristal?! Hope you and your fam had an incredible New Year! Finally got bumped up to Saxum’s first release and curious if you are sticking with only the 19 bone rock and 19 4Hearts or if you are dipping your toes in on any of the 20s?

  • Cristal2000 commented:

    1/16/23, 10:27 AM - Hi B&B: I ordered some of the 2020's, but mainly for friends. I am more comfortable with the 2019, although I am sure 2020 will be good, just not amazing.

  • Cristal2000 commented:

    1/16/23, 10:27 AM - Hi B&B: I ordered some of the 2020's, but mainly for friends. I am more comfortable with the 2019, although I am sure 2020 will be good, just not amazing.

  • Big&Bold707 commented:

    1/16/23, 8:33 PM - This release I just maxed out my 19 bone rock offering. Felt weird bypassing the JBV and G2 and regretting it but stocked up on 18s and 19s so should be okay.

  • Big&Bold707 commented:

    7/10/23, 2:50 PM - Hey Cristal, what’s your plan on tomorrow’s release? I just follow your lead lol. They moved up 2021 G2 to this release. I heard the 20 rocket block was really good but hesitant because it’s a 20. What’s the play my Saxum personal shopper lol?!

  • Cristal2000 commented:

    7/10/23, 9:33 PM - Hey B&B: If there is one 2020 I would potentially buy, it would be the Rocket Block. I may go ahead with one or two, but likely won't load up. 2021 appears to be a nice vintage that is perhaps a bit more austere than 2019. Definitely curious, since I haven't had it yet. G2 is certainly one to target. Good luck! I seem to have a lot of Saxum in the cellar these days - time to pop corks! :)

  • Big&Bold707 commented:

    7/10/23, 10:05 PM - Ok you just convinced me to get my first 2020 Saxum with a Rocket Block. Have you tasted 21s from any Paso wineries? Curious your overall impression. I have some releases coming out in the next few months.
    Also, are you a fingers crossed member? I’m curious your impressions of FC compared to the Saxums, Andremilys, turtle rocks, etc.

  • Cristal2000 commented:

    7/11/23, 7:26 AM - I haven't had a chance to taste the 21's yet. Time has been hard to come by and when I've had some, I've gone to Napa. In Napa, it appears 21 will be a great vintage and one to target since 22 will be very hit and miss given the heat spikes.

    I am on the FC list. I enjoy those wines and I think they compare favorably to Paso. I dropped Andremily because it was just too over the top extracted for me. I do like Turtle Rock and Saxum, but that is about where I leave it in Paso, aside from the occasional in person purchases.

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