Double decanted for sediment. Shared with members of our regular tasting group. A fair amount of funk on the nose early on dissipated with more air time. 15.4 ABV was noticed by a couple people but was not an issue for most. In the 1.5L format it was still fairly youthful. There were a lot of revisits among the group.
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Compared with 2011 Booker Fracture, which I liked slightly better for its greater complexity. This was dark garnet and completely opaque, no brown at the edge. The prominent aroma is one-dimensional, pure blackberries, with some pepper, but I don't get tobacco and some other fruits and spices that others mention. On the palate, rich, powerful, and concentrated black fruit, moderate tannins, definite heat from high alcohol, which increases with the very long aftertaste. Drink or hold. Ric
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Cork felt soft and pliant, moreso at the top but wasn't. In fact it belled out considerably which should assure a good seal. Good pull and seal. Deep purple in color. Great bouquet right from first pop. Big and deep flavored, intense fruit, but also on the hot side from high alcohol content. That being said, delicious right out of the bottle. What will a day in bottle do? Reviewer Chrisr infers that tannins restrained, agree. If tannins present they are well integrated. One glass at this high octane is enough. Not a wine to pour glass after glass. Day two. Wine has settled down and in great balance. Alcohol has receded and fruit has advanced, which is what I hoped would occur. Thick and weighty on palate but not overdone, just real nice, and each sip invites the next. 94 points easy if not higher. Takeaway from this is open and give air or decent, then try, or save some next day, as the alcohol will step back. A real nice wine and might consider trying this Booker again.
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Pop and pour - some of us were still a little thirsty. In the decanter, deep maroon, but no signs of age otherwise. On the nose, raspberries, fresh ground pepper, and a touch of barnyard. On the palate, coming across as very primary, with lovely fruit but not much else, and leaning towards muted as the evening went on. A closed-down Saxum?? Time will tell...
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3 hours in decanter. I always find Saxum’s Booker to be the most different from their other bottlings - but often in a good way. This was a bit feral. Blind I might have guessed N. Rhône. I really enjoyed this. Not sure this will improve but certainly no rush to consume.
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The 2011 Saxums have really suited me well. They are a little less intense and more congenial than other vintages. In this case, this was a wonderfully (and surprisingly) mellow wine. Fresh blackberries and black current predominate, with spice and black pepper notes echoing on the finish. The wine has good depth, decent structure and a long finish. And I don't feel like I'm being beaten up by tannins.
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Summer and Fall 2022 Wine Adventures (Corolla, NC & Three Rivers, MI & Dogwood Grove, VA): Customarily when the Saxum mailer arrives, the next Saxum to be opened out of the cellar absolutely shines, leading to a new order – funny how that works! This one hit all my favorite high notes for a Cali Rhone – blackberry, orange peel, cracked pepper, smoked meats. Very delicious.
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Nose of salt water sea breeze with a salinity finish but very in balance for a high alcohol wine. Vanilla and peppermint with huge berry notes also highlight. Pallet is beautifully balanced and soft. Stewed cherries and menthol make for a beautiful wine. Saxum continues to deliver wines that make you stop and appreciate the complexity of wine making.
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I read the notes of @mayvalley and agree 100%. I would add that this wine was much better and more enjoyable on day 2. Plenty of life left but in a sweet drinking window now.
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I have always loved the 2011 vintage from Saxum, and this one is no exeption! The slightly cooler profile and higher acidity is really nice. Colour is deep ruby. The first thing that hits you aromatically is roast meat, smoke and dark fruit. Then the wine becomes increasingly spicy with cloves and douglas fir, which eventually develops to more herbal notes. Maybe even a floral thing going on? The palate is dominated by dark fruit – black currants – even a blue fruit hint, black olive tapenade, toasted notes and animal notes. Smooth but present tannins and really nice acdity to balance it all. There is a well balanced core of sweetness to the fruit as well which is really nice. Long aftertaste. If hard pressed, maybe there is just a hint of alcohol creeping up on you as the wine warmes up in the glass, but to my palate it is very subtle. Around 10 years has definitely tamed this wine, but it can with no problem be saved for many years to come. Still nothing tertiary in the wine. Alas, it was my last bottle.
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This is one of the most intellectual, elegant and complex Saxum wines I've ever had. Less opulent and hedonistic, the wine delves into the more savory, minerally side with charcoal, espresso, crushed rocks, fresh black pepper. One review compared the flavor profile to mole and I think that's an excellent way of describing its character (sweet, spice, smoky, savory). Tannins were completely integrated and alcohol was barely noticeable. I don't know if it's the best, but this may the most northern rhone-like Saxum I've had. I don't remember other Saxum Booker's tasting like this.
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Blackberry, raspberry, and had this amazing chocolate/mole note going on I dug. At peak, less tannic than I thought it would be. Aromatically captivating and surprisingly well balanced for Paso. 2021-2025+
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Stunning wine with explosive floral, red and dark fruit notes, mollified tannins, smooth mouthfeel, full body, multiple overtones and a long satisfying finish. Just remarkable.
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I've been buying Saxum for over 10 years and this is definitely not worthy of the 97 – 99 points from RP (Jeb Dunnuck – a total shill) and it is especially not worthy of my $$$ which I regret spending on this wine. It’s just a big fruit basket and light on substance but heavy on the alcohol (15.4%) which comes glaring through the mild Syrah spice and sweet Mourvedre. No earthiness, no mineral, no chocolate, etc. This will not age well; so, I recommend selling it on the gray market if you have any quantity.
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Two hours in a decanter. This has come together beautifully. Full rich fruit, cassis, spice and a touch of sweetness although far from cloying. Enticing acidity and minerality. My wife is not into Syrah as much as I but she loves this one.
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Decanted 3 hours from magnum. Still plenty of life left in this wine. BlackBerry, deep cherry, tobacco, leather - tested when opened, very hot. After 3 hours, beautiful.
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Purple in color. 15.4% ABV. 67% Syrah and 33% Mourvedre. Killer nose of blue and black fruits, molten licorice and violets. Full bodied with exceptional acidity and remarkable balance. Plush and silky. Blueberries, boysenberries, bacon fat and smoke on the palate. The finish is exceptionally long with gritty tannins. Stunning wine that is aging brilliantly. Best over the next 2-4 years.
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Medium deep ruby. Black cherry, ripe raspberry and black pepper. There are these awesome savory notes of campfire, beef jerky and teriyaki I am digging.
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Additional time in the cellar brought this bottle to wonderful balance between the Syrah and the Mourvedre. It had a dark, brooding (good) quality. Strong but fruity, a substantial wine.
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Pop and pour, which wasn't particularly fair, but so it goes. In the glass, purplish-magenta at the rim, shading quickly to near black at the core. On the nose, high toned plums and currants. On the palate, rich tooth-staining fruit and assertive tannins on the midpalate and long finish. For most wines, I'd say to check back in five years, but with Saxum, I really have no idea how long it might take to pass through this young phase - I still haven't encountered one that has reached a "next" phase, whatever that might be...
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Drank over 3 nights. The first two nights I just Coravined a glass, then opened it up on the third night. Super smooth and sexy. Big nose of raspberry cobbler and blackberries. Nice acidity to intensify the dark fruits, not thick or clumsy and a pretty s as nd long finish. In my opinion this is drinking great now.
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Opened and slow ox'd for 8 hours. For some reason this bottle was not as vibrant as the previous ones we have consumed but still a great bottle of wine.. The nose was all fruit. The palate was dark berries, tobacco, charred meat and hints of dried leaves. The finish was a typical, what I call "the Saxum finish" it just goes on an on and on.
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Purple color in the glass, clear looking throughout. Nose of aspirin, white pepper, balsam wood and boysenberries. Flavors of currants, boysenberries and cherries. Medium acidity, medium to firm tannin, full bodied. Drink now with air or continue to hold.
Trio Last Service
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Unfortunately my daughter forgot to open the bottle at noon so it did not get an 8 hour slow ox. So after two hours we drank the wine with the main course at the Wild Game dinner which was a Bison steak. The nose was big with fruit and spice. The palate was dark berries, dark cherries, bacon, charred meat and a hint of chocolate. The finish goes on and on. I think that with a 8 hour slow ox or a 3/4 hour decant we would be seeing a much higher rating (95+).
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Saxum Tasting (Zurich): Comprehensive vertical tasting of several Saxum vineyards and a total of 24 wines. Most wines on a good to very good level in the 93 to 95 points range, just one on an exceptional (97+ points) level (James Berry Bone Rock 08). The consistency of the wine-making at Saxum is impressive but the tasting proofed to be rather a bit boring with less difference between the vineyards and vintages showing than expected and wished for. Heart Stone stood out a bit (bigger vats used, little new oak) thanks to more terroir expression. James Berry (mostly Grenache) and James Berry Bone Rock (elevated complexity and sexiness) were great. Best vintage (we tried wines from 2003 to 2011) is clearly the 2007 which produced the wines with the most depth.
TN: The Booker Vineyards wines are a virtual blend between the Broken Stone wines (new oak, powerful fruit expression) and the Heart Stone wines (focus and minerality). I liked them a lot with the 2007 being the winner due to its depth. Lots of black currant and blueberries on the nose along some minerality but not as well-defined as in the Heart Stone wines. At first the dark fruit theme continues on the palate but with a bit of time the profile changes and becomes more red with a sweet strawberry core. Light (in a good way), fresh, round, smooth and balanced. Not the most complex wine but on all fronts on a very good level. A tad of heat was showing, so don't drink it too warm. Not decanted, no decant needed.
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Grand Saxum Tasting (Gustav in Zurich): Grand Saxum tasting over several vineyeards and vintages. 23 wines in total. What was remarkable is the consistancy in aromatics across vintages and partly also across vineyards. Big and powerful wines but not without elegance. As a vintage 2007 stood out as exceptional across all vineyards. Booker stood out as the most consistent on a high level while James Berry vineyards had the highest range, but was oustanding in some vintages. The top wines for me were 2008 Bone Rock and Booker 2007.
Tasting note: Dense and tighlty structured. Ripe, dark fruit and spices which carry on to the palate and resonate in the long finish. A little bit medicinal and some floral notes.
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Opulent, but along the lines of what you would expect for Saxum. Nice “guilty pleasure” so to speak. Nice long finish. Great texture to this wine. Tannins integrated.
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Saxum Vertical Tasting (Mathias@Michael): Packed with dark fruit and spices. Lovely and piercing acidity with lots of intensity. A wonderfully balanced wine. Great stuff.
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Blend of Syrah 67% and Mourvedre 33%. 15.4% alcohol. Two hour decant. Deep, dark, intense fruit, Syrah with the edginess of the Mourvedre. For me (just my taste), the Mourvedre was too much of a presence. A well made, integrated wine in a mature drinking zone.
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1 hour decant. Deep translucent purple with a violet purplish pink rim. Big nose of blueberry, blackberries, steak and crushed black pepper. Taste is similar with anise, licorice and sweet tarts. Usual great balance of integrated tannins and acidity but on the lighter side. Medium bodied. 92.5
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PnP but then saved most for night 2. Intense dark fruit with brambleberry, blackberry, and black cherry. Enough acid to stay fresh, but this is a massive wine. Long finish is really great and adds a nice peppery bacon note. Night 2 still very youthful - had not budged much.
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Had not tried a bottle in almost two years and little has changed. Opened before I went to the Giants game at 9:30 and then took to dinner at 7:30 so a good 10 hour slow ox. Dark fruit and hints of tobacco on the nose. The palate was dark fruit, bacon, cedar, tobacco, charred meat and spices. The Saxum finish, on and on and on and on. Just a great bottle of wine.
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This slightly cloudy wine was decanted for 30 minutes prior to drinking at The Spoke Club. It was dark garnet red in colour and had a surprisingly citrus nose of lemons, oranges and pepper. The wine itself had full flavours of dark berries with a slight hint of cherries as well. Overall, this was a very pleasant bottle.
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A still very youthful wine. Big initial mouthfeel of brambly meat and dark berries. Still quite tight tannins with a plush mid palate. A lot of depth here. Bacon/fat dripping. Long finish. Very good wine and sadly a single bottle purchase for me. Solid Saxum effort.
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Deep dense sweet black cherry flavors with a roasted quality and some melting asphalt qualities. A bit too big for my taste on this evening, but well made wine.
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An eclectic group of wines with friends (Walden): Tom opened this the night before and it was so tight, he left it for tonight. It still seems quite tight and restrained although it did open a bit in the glass. Probably best to not open for a while. Purple in color. The nose has black raspberries, some pepper and some char. On the palate, this is powerful, tannic and tight. delicious but not showing much complexity. Lots of fruit though.
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Drinking really well right now as a PnP but got better with a couple hours of air. Medium red fruits, ham, sweet spices, and a chocolate cherry on coffee grounds component. Really nice, especially with the difficult vinetage of 2011.
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Pretty subdued for Saxum and Paso in general. Still very CA nonetheless. Sticky black fruit, red currants, pomegranate, tobacco, graphite, and overall tannic bitterness. Decanted 5 hours but needs 5 years in bottle.
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This wine is super saxum-y. Delicious and rich with matching structure the wine possesses a real sense of style and place. I like it quite a lot. QPR is disastrous but what can you do? Law of supply and demand!
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Need 2-3 hours of decant. Massive wine with good structure. Some dark fruits with crushed rock, black pepper and leather. Strong tannis. I was hoping to see flavors, tannis and acidity better integrated throughout a course of 4 hours. But it didn't come. So 93 is the best I can give now. On the other hand, I don't have much experience with young wines, so I might be off. This can easily be a 95-96 pt wine if the elements are better integrated with aging. But now, it's like GSM version of a good insignia with an excessive dose of Petite Verdot. Still quite good.
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A saxum tasting at Cooking School (ICASI): I believe Chris said this saw a few hours of air before serving. This is again, a more cooler climate style of Syrah. I would not call it elegant (as someone did), but less ripe, more red fruit than purple. The nose has dark cherries, boysenberries and white pepper. On the palate, this has a nice backbone of acidity. Works well with food. An outstanding wine but not really why I typically open a Saxum. That said, it really does have a lot going on. Juicy black cherry and boysenberry fruit. Food friendly. Nice finish.
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I slow ox'd for 7 hours and then decanted through a vinturi, deep nose of dark fruit, the palate was dark berries, cedar, bacon, spices and the very long full Saxum finish made it a most enjoyable wine
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A bit reticent and closed at first. Opened up some over the course of the evening. Nice spice and smooth mouth feel. Really needs a bit more time to show its best.
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Nose is animal fur and smoke, color is very dark. First sip, smooth blend of flavors, very easy to sip and sip. Meat and leather with a brief instant of sweet, than a long slow close. Another sip, the plum hints at CdP than fades back to leather. easy 97pts
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Drinking really well after 2 hour decant. Great balance between acidity, fruit, and terroir. Good mouthfeel and long finish. Plenty life ahead and will likely improve. Tough to go wrong
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Decided to try one of these since I've always really enjoyed the Saxum Booker Vineyard. We decanted it for only 30 minutes though before enjoying with flat iron steak, and it did pair well. But it is wayyyy too young... it was tight, tannic and wasn't nearly as expressive as previous Booker Vineyard vintages. It does still have strong dark berries and a little bit of a nice beef jerky thing going on... enjoyable, but not spectacular as I usually expect. 92+ now for me, with hopefully a lot of upside in the future.
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4/23/2024 - Alexnichols wrote: 90 Points
Didn't take detailed notes, doing from memory. Pretty hot from the alcohol and somewhat muted. Not my favorite saxum bottle
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3/23/2024 - deadwax Likes this wine: 94 Points
Double decanted for sediment. Shared with members of our regular tasting group. A fair amount of funk on the nose early on dissipated with more air time. 15.4 ABV was noticed by a couple people but was not an issue for most. In the 1.5L format it was still fairly youthful. There were a lot of revisits among the group.
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12/21/2023 - rhalbert wrote: 91 Points
Definitely at peak age. Drink em if you got em...
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10/12/2023 - Ex-Ray Likes this wine: 94 Points
Compared with 2011 Booker Fracture, which I liked slightly better for its greater complexity. This was dark garnet and completely opaque, no brown at the edge. The prominent aroma is one-dimensional, pure blackberries, with some pepper, but I don't get tobacco and some other fruits and spices that others mention. On the palate, rich, powerful, and concentrated black fruit, moderate tannins, definite heat from high alcohol, which increases with the very long aftertaste. Drink or hold.
Ric
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9/13/2023 - pmarlo Likes this wine: 94 Points
Cork felt soft and pliant, moreso at the top but wasn't. In fact it belled out considerably which should assure a good seal. Good pull and seal. Deep purple in color. Great bouquet right from first pop. Big and deep flavored, intense fruit, but also on the hot side from high alcohol content. That being said, delicious right out of the bottle. What will a day in bottle do? Reviewer Chrisr infers that tannins restrained, agree. If tannins present they are well integrated. One glass at this high octane is enough. Not a wine to pour glass after glass.
Day two. Wine has settled down and in great balance. Alcohol has receded and fruit has advanced, which is what I hoped would occur. Thick and weighty on palate but not overdone, just real nice, and each sip invites the next. 94 points easy if not higher. Takeaway from this is open and give air or decent, then try, or save some next day, as the alcohol will step back. A real nice wine and might consider trying this Booker again.
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7/8/2023 - jshufelt wrote: 92 Points
Pop and pour - some of us were still a little thirsty. In the decanter, deep maroon, but no signs of age otherwise. On the nose, raspberries, fresh ground pepper, and a touch of barnyard. On the palate, coming across as very primary, with lovely fruit but not much else, and leaning towards muted as the evening went on. A closed-down Saxum?? Time will tell...
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5/28/2023 - cookie7 wrote:
3 hours in decanter. I always find Saxum’s Booker to be the most different from their other bottlings - but often in a good way. This was a bit feral. Blind I might have guessed N. Rhône. I really enjoyed this. Not sure this will improve but certainly no rush to consume.
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5/8/2023 - jlgnml Likes this wine: 93 Points
Coravin 6 oz and it was a very nice wine. Took a bit of time to open up in the glass but worth the wait. Drink to enjoy.
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3/18/2023 - ChrisR Likes this wine:
The 2011 Saxums have really suited me well. They are a little less intense and more congenial than other vintages. In this case, this was a wonderfully (and surprisingly) mellow wine. Fresh blackberries and black current predominate, with spice and black pepper notes echoing on the finish. The wine has good depth, decent structure and a long finish. And I don't feel like I'm being beaten up by tannins.
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1/26/2023 - rogerr Likes this wine: 94 Points
Takes about an hour for it to start opening up in the glass. Recommend decanting.
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11/1/2022 - pgb67 wrote: 94 Points
Summer and Fall 2022 Wine Adventures (Corolla, NC & Three Rivers, MI & Dogwood Grove, VA): Customarily when the Saxum mailer arrives, the next Saxum to be opened out of the cellar absolutely shines, leading to a new order – funny how that works! This one hit all my favorite high notes for a Cali Rhone – blackberry, orange peel, cracked pepper, smoked meats. Very delicious.
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5/14/2022 - OhioFan07 Likes this wine: 94 Points
Nose of salt water sea breeze with a salinity finish but very in balance for a high alcohol wine. Vanilla and peppermint with huge berry notes also highlight. Pallet is beautifully balanced and soft. Stewed cherries and menthol make for a beautiful wine. Saxum continues to deliver wines that make you stop and appreciate the complexity of wine making.
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5/13/2022 - Amerique wrote: 94 Points
Rich, delicious, blackberry/black raspberry fruit, excellent structure, very tight, needs lost of breathing time, short finish
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12/1/2021 - Wine Warrior 1 Likes this wine: 94 Points
I read the notes of @mayvalley and agree 100%. I would add that this wine was much better and more enjoyable on day 2. Plenty of life left but in a sweet drinking window now.
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10/1/2021 - MayValley wrote: 94 Points
I have always loved the 2011 vintage from Saxum, and this one is no exeption! The slightly cooler profile and higher acidity is really nice.
Colour is deep ruby.
The first thing that hits you aromatically is roast meat, smoke and dark fruit. Then the wine becomes increasingly spicy with cloves and douglas fir, which eventually develops to more herbal notes. Maybe even a floral thing going on?
The palate is dominated by dark fruit – black currants – even a blue fruit hint, black olive tapenade, toasted notes and animal notes. Smooth but present tannins and really nice acdity to balance it all. There is a well balanced core of sweetness to the fruit as well which is really nice. Long aftertaste. If hard pressed, maybe there is just a hint of alcohol creeping up on you as the wine warmes up in the glass, but to my palate it is very subtle. Around 10 years has definitely tamed this wine, but it can with no problem be saved for many years to come. Still nothing tertiary in the wine. Alas, it was my last bottle.
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9/23/2021 - Backdoctor wrote: 94 Points
Fantastic Saxum with big fruit on palate and long finish
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9/8/2021 - Jonathan T Likes this wine: 95 Points
This is one of the most intellectual, elegant and complex Saxum wines I've ever had. Less opulent and hedonistic, the wine delves into the more savory, minerally side with charcoal, espresso, crushed rocks, fresh black pepper. One review compared the flavor profile to mole and I think that's an excellent way of describing its character (sweet, spice, smoky, savory). Tannins were completely integrated and alcohol was barely noticeable. I don't know if it's the best, but this may the most northern rhone-like Saxum I've had. I don't remember other Saxum Booker's tasting like this.
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6/20/2021 - andrewdodd86 Likes this wine: 97 Points
Blackberry, raspberry, and had this amazing chocolate/mole note going on I dug. At peak, less tannic than I thought it would be. Aromatically captivating and surprisingly well balanced for Paso. 2021-2025+
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4/12/2021 - sonodoc Likes this wine: 97 Points
Superb! Did not take detailed notes, but loved this wine and wish that I had more left.
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3/30/2021 - ogres3 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Full throttle wine. Gave it lots of air, even the next day. Maybe expecting more, esp from a magnum.
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3/13/2021 - jvphoto Likes this wine: 93 Points
Cappuccino, blackberry, iron, mint.
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3/12/2021 - danielbleier Likes this wine: 93 Points
Still vibrant, with plenty of blackberry, mocha, and licorice flavors - heady wine - worth taking your time with.
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12/12/2020 - Geoff Likes this wine: 96 Points
Stunning wine with explosive floral, red and dark fruit notes, mollified tannins, smooth mouthfeel, full body, multiple overtones and a long satisfying finish. Just remarkable.
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12/12/2020 - Sanlucar Does not like this wine: 88 Points
I've been buying Saxum for over 10 years and this is definitely not worthy of the 97 – 99 points from RP (Jeb Dunnuck – a total shill) and it is especially not worthy of my $$$ which I regret spending on this wine. It’s just a big fruit basket and light on substance but heavy on the alcohol (15.4%) which comes glaring through the mild Syrah spice and sweet Mourvedre. No earthiness, no mineral, no chocolate, etc. This will not age well; so, I recommend selling it on the gray market if you have any quantity.
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11/12/2020 - tantotinto wrote: 94 Points
Two hours in a decanter. This has come together beautifully. Full rich fruit, cassis, spice and a touch of sweetness although far from cloying. Enticing acidity and minerality. My wife is not into Syrah as much as I but she loves this one.
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11/1/2020 - IanAltman Likes this wine: 95 Points
Decanted 3 hours from magnum. Still plenty of life left in this wine. BlackBerry, deep cherry, tobacco, leather - tested when opened, very hot. After 3 hours, beautiful.
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9/18/2020 - tomlee wrote: 95 Points
Purple in color. 15.4% ABV. 67% Syrah and 33% Mourvedre. Killer nose of blue and black fruits, molten licorice and violets. Full bodied with exceptional acidity and remarkable balance. Plush and silky. Blueberries, boysenberries, bacon fat and smoke on the palate. The finish is exceptionally long with gritty tannins. Stunning wine that is aging brilliantly. Best over the next 2-4 years.
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8/24/2020 - seanucsb Likes this wine: 95 Points
Medium deep ruby. Black cherry, ripe raspberry and black pepper. There are these awesome savory notes of campfire, beef jerky and teriyaki I am digging.
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7/25/2020 - Justin B Likes this wine: 96 Points
From a 1.5L, decanted for 3+ hours... drank beautifully.
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3/8/2020 - ELH wrote: 94 Points
Additional time in the cellar brought this bottle to wonderful balance between the Syrah and the Mourvedre. It had a dark, brooding (good) quality. Strong but fruity, a substantial wine.
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2/25/2020 - Backdoctor wrote: 94 Points
Just another super Saxum. It has shows fruit well, is balanced. Love it
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2/5/2020 - jshufelt wrote: 92 Points
Pop and pour, which wasn't particularly fair, but so it goes. In the glass, purplish-magenta at the rim, shading quickly to near black at the core. On the nose, high toned plums and currants. On the palate, rich tooth-staining fruit and assertive tannins on the midpalate and long finish. For most wines, I'd say to check back in five years, but with Saxum, I really have no idea how long it might take to pass through this young phase - I still haven't encountered one that has reached a "next" phase, whatever that might be...
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1/19/2020 - rustyRudy Likes this wine: 96 Points
Drank over 3 nights. The first two nights I just Coravined a glass, then opened it up on the third night. Super smooth and sexy. Big nose of raspberry cobbler and blackberries. Nice acidity to intensify the dark fruits, not thick or clumsy and a pretty s as nd long finish. In my opinion this is drinking great now.
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12/20/2019 - markcic Likes this wine: 92 Points
Opened and slow ox'd for 8 hours. For some reason this bottle was not as vibrant as the previous ones we have consumed but still a great bottle of wine.. The nose was all fruit. The palate was dark berries, tobacco, charred meat and hints of dried leaves. The finish was a typical, what I call "the Saxum finish" it just goes on an on and on.
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12/5/2019 - jjhsom Likes this wine: 96 Points
One of the better Syrahs I’ve had.
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9/28/2019 - wineismylife wrote: 92 Points
WIML92
Tasted non blind.
Purple color in the glass, clear looking throughout. Nose of aspirin, white pepper, balsam wood and boysenberries. Flavors of currants, boysenberries and cherries. Medium acidity, medium to firm tannin, full bodied. Drink now with air or continue to hold.
Trio Last Service
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7/30/2019 - markcic Likes this wine: 93 Points
Unfortunately my daughter forgot to open the bottle at noon so it did not get an 8 hour slow ox. So after two hours we drank the wine with the main course at the Wild Game dinner which was a Bison steak. The nose was big with fruit and spice. The palate was dark berries, dark cherries, bacon, charred meat and a hint of chocolate. The finish goes on and on. I think that with a 8 hour slow ox or a 3/4 hour decant we would be seeing a much higher rating (95+).
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7/14/2019 - Doctor Koulodare Likes this wine: 94 Points
Open a few hours before drinking. Smoky, spicy, dark fruit, herbal undertones, big mouthfeel, amazing concentration. Beautiful finish.
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7/13/2019 - Cailles wrote: 93 Points
Saxum Tasting (Zurich): Comprehensive vertical tasting of several Saxum vineyards and a total of 24 wines. Most wines on a good to very good level in the 93 to 95 points range, just one on an exceptional (97+ points) level (James Berry Bone Rock 08). The consistency of the wine-making at Saxum is impressive but the tasting proofed to be rather a bit boring with less difference between the vineyards and vintages showing than expected and wished for. Heart Stone stood out a bit (bigger vats used, little new oak) thanks to more terroir expression. James Berry (mostly Grenache) and James Berry Bone Rock (elevated complexity and sexiness) were great. Best vintage (we tried wines from 2003 to 2011) is clearly the 2007 which produced the wines with the most depth.
TN: The Booker Vineyards wines are a virtual blend between the Broken Stone wines (new oak, powerful fruit expression) and the Heart Stone wines (focus and minerality). I liked them a lot with the 2007 being the winner due to its depth. Lots of black currant and blueberries on the nose along some minerality but not as well-defined as in the Heart Stone wines. At first the dark fruit theme continues on the palate but with a bit of time the profile changes and becomes more red with a sweet strawberry core. Light (in a good way), fresh, round, smooth and balanced. Not the most complex wine but on all fronts on a very good level. A tad of heat was showing, so don't drink it too warm. Not decanted, no decant needed.
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6/22/2019 - sirpat00 Likes this wine: 96 Points
Grand Saxum Tasting (Gustav in Zurich): Grand Saxum tasting over several vineyeards and vintages. 23 wines in total. What was remarkable is the consistancy in aromatics across vintages and partly also across vineyards. Big and powerful wines but not without elegance. As a vintage 2007 stood out as exceptional across all vineyards. Booker stood out as the most consistent on a high level while James Berry vineyards had the highest range, but was oustanding in some vintages. The top wines for me were 2008 Bone Rock and Booker 2007.
Tasting note:
Dense and tighlty structured. Ripe, dark fruit and spices which carry on to the palate and resonate in the long finish. A little bit medicinal and some floral notes.
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4/14/2019 - Mr T wrote:
big rich wine...folks liked it
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12/30/2018 - fournet wrote: 93 Points
Opulent, but along the lines of what you would expect for Saxum. Nice “guilty pleasure” so to speak. Nice long finish. Great texture to this wine. Tannins integrated.
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11/22/2018 - hanasowner wrote: 92 Points
Two hours in the decanter...blue fruit and spices...very smooth...in a great spot.
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9/6/2018 - Mike Dildine Likes this wine: 95 Points
Drinking very well, years of life ahead.
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7/22/2018 - Doctor Koulodare wrote: 95 Points
Smoke, Violets, herbs, combined with a rich mix of kirsch and stewed plums and coffee. Massive delivery.
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4/6/2018 - canan wrote: 97 Points
Saxum Vertical Tasting (Mathias@Michael): Packed with dark fruit and spices. Lovely and piercing acidity with lots of intensity.
A wonderfully balanced wine. Great stuff.
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1/25/2018 - pjhr Likes this wine: 93 Points
Rich black berry and spice on the nose and smooth palate with a touch of heat on the long finish.
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1/21/2018 - mliszt Likes this wine: 97 Points
smooth as can be and ready without too much wait. fabulous
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12/31/2017 - ELH wrote: 92 Points
Blend of Syrah 67% and Mourvedre 33%. 15.4% alcohol. Two hour decant. Deep, dark, intense fruit, Syrah with the edginess of the Mourvedre. For me (just my taste), the Mourvedre was too much of a presence. A well made, integrated wine in a mature drinking zone.
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12/24/2017 - RockyII Likes this wine: 92 Points
1 hour decant. Deep translucent purple with a violet purplish pink rim. Big nose of blueberry, blackberries, steak and crushed black pepper. Taste is similar with anise, licorice and sweet tarts. Usual great balance of integrated tannins and acidity but on the lighter side. Medium bodied. 92.5
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11/11/2017 - ews3 wrote: 92 Points
PnP but then saved most for night 2. Intense dark fruit with brambleberry, blackberry, and black cherry. Enough acid to stay fresh, but this is a massive wine. Long finish is really great and adds a nice peppery bacon note. Night 2 still very youthful - had not budged much.
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10/8/2017 - markcic Likes this wine: 93 Points
Had not tried a bottle in almost two years and little has changed. Opened before I went to the Giants game at 9:30 and then took to dinner at 7:30 so a good 10 hour slow ox. Dark fruit and hints of tobacco on the nose. The palate was dark fruit, bacon, cedar, tobacco, charred meat and spices. The Saxum finish, on and on and on and on. Just a great bottle of wine.
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3/23/2017 - Rosengoo wrote: 91 Points
This slightly cloudy wine was decanted for 30 minutes prior to drinking at The Spoke Club. It was dark garnet red in colour and had a surprisingly citrus nose of lemons, oranges and pepper. The wine itself had full flavours of dark berries with a slight hint of cherries as well. Overall, this was a very pleasant bottle.
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1/27/2017 - sonodoc Likes this wine: 96 Points
Lots of dark red fruit. Delicious and I loved it, but did not take detailed notes that night.
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8/2/2016 - NTR wrote: 94 Points
A still very youthful wine. Big initial mouthfeel of brambly meat and dark berries. Still quite tight tannins with a plush mid palate. A lot of depth here. Bacon/fat dripping. Long finish. Very good wine and sadly a single bottle purchase for me. Solid Saxum effort.
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7/20/2016 - MAXIMUM SATISFACTION wrote: 93 Points
Same note as before. Enjoyable on the front but no secondary character. Not tannic, just needs a few years to deepen.
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6/24/2016 - KenK Likes this wine: 91 Points
Deep dense sweet black cherry flavors with a roasted quality and some melting asphalt qualities. A bit too big for my taste on this evening, but well made wine.
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5/23/2016 - Loren Sonkin wrote: 92 Points
An eclectic group of wines with friends (Walden): Tom opened this the night before and it was so tight, he left it for tonight. It still seems quite tight and restrained although it did open a bit in the glass. Probably best to not open for a while. Purple in color. The nose has black raspberries, some pepper and some char. On the palate, this is powerful, tannic and tight. delicious but not showing much complexity. Lots of fruit though.
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5/22/2016 - pakabear Likes this wine: 94 Points
Drinking really well right now as a PnP but got better with a couple hours of air. Medium red fruits, ham, sweet spices, and a chocolate cherry on coffee grounds component. Really nice, especially with the difficult vinetage of 2011.
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4/29/2016 - MAXIMUM SATISFACTION wrote: 93 Points
Pretty subdued for Saxum and Paso in general. Still very CA nonetheless. Sticky black fruit, red currants, pomegranate, tobacco, graphite, and overall tannic bitterness. Decanted 5 hours but needs 5 years in bottle.
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2/7/2016 - bonedocnine Likes this wine: 94 Points
This wine is super saxum-y. Delicious and rich with matching structure the wine possesses a real sense of style and place. I like it quite a lot. QPR is disastrous but what can you do? Law of supply and demand!
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1/21/2016 - wcchang wrote: 93 Points
Need 2-3 hours of decant. Massive wine with good structure. Some dark fruits with crushed rock, black pepper and leather. Strong tannis. I was hoping to see flavors, tannis and acidity better integrated throughout a course of 4 hours. But it didn't come. So 93 is the best I can give now. On the other hand, I don't have much experience with young wines, so I might be off. This can easily be a 95-96 pt wine if the elements are better integrated with aging. But now, it's like GSM version of a good insignia with an excessive dose of Petite Verdot. Still quite good.
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1/10/2016 - Loren Sonkin wrote: 94 Points
A saxum tasting at Cooking School (ICASI): I believe Chris said this saw a few hours of air before serving. This is again, a more cooler climate style of Syrah. I would not call it elegant (as someone did), but less ripe, more red fruit than purple. The nose has dark cherries, boysenberries and white pepper. On the palate, this has a nice backbone of acidity. Works well with food. An outstanding wine but not really why I typically open a Saxum. That said, it really does have a lot going on. Juicy black cherry and boysenberry fruit. Food friendly. Nice finish.
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12/29/2015 - markcic Likes this wine: 93 Points
I slow ox'd for 7 hours and then decanted through a vinturi, deep nose of dark fruit, the palate was dark berries, cedar, bacon, spices and the very long full Saxum finish made it a most enjoyable wine
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6/1/2015 - cubswinws Likes this wine: 91 Points
A bit reticent and closed at first. Opened up some over the course of the evening. Nice spice and smooth mouth feel. Really needs a bit more time to show its best.
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5/29/2015 - shadow wrote: 97 Points
Nose is animal fur and smoke, color is very dark.
First sip, smooth blend of flavors, very easy to sip and sip.
Meat and leather with a brief instant of sweet, than a long slow close.
Another sip, the plum hints at CdP than fades back to leather.
easy 97pts
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4/26/2015 - K28226 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Drinking really well after 2 hour decant. Great balance between acidity, fruit, and terroir. Good mouthfeel and long finish. Plenty life ahead and will likely improve. Tough to go wrong
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5/25/2014 - Justin B Likes this wine: 92 Points
Decided to try one of these since I've always really enjoyed the Saxum Booker Vineyard. We decanted it for only 30 minutes though before enjoying with flat iron steak, and it did pair well. But it is wayyyy too young... it was tight, tannic and wasn't nearly as expressive as previous Booker Vineyard vintages. It does still have strong dark berries and a little bit of a nice beef jerky thing going on... enjoyable, but not spectacular as I usually expect. 92+ now for me, with hopefully a lot of upside in the future.
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