2018 Saxum Broken Stones
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Tasting notes
Vibrant purple. Powerful dark berry, cherry cola, incense, potpourri, musky earth, licorice and spice-cake aromas show superb clarity and acquire a smoky mineral nuance as the wine opens up. Sweet, seamless and energetic in the mouth, offering deeply concentrated blueberry, cherry preserve, five-spice powder and floral pastille flavors that are given lift and focus by a spine of juicy acidity. Marries richness to finesse with a sure hand and finishes incredibly long and precise, with gently firming tannins adding shape and closing grip. (JR)
Critic scores
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2018 Broken Stones is composed of 49% Syrah, 21% Graciano, 13% Petite Sirah, 8% Grenache, 7% Mataro and 2% Viognier aged in around 60% new oak. Vibrant ruby-purple, it opens to char, bacon fat and violets over a dense core of jammy black and blue fruit with lifting minty accents. The palate is full-bodied and packed with ripe fruits, wrapped in a very firm but finely grained frame and with just enough freshness, finishing on a floral note.
Made in the more meaty, powerful style that this cuvée has shifted to, the 2018 Broken Stones is 49% Syrah, 21% Graciano, 13% Petite Sirah, 8% Grenache, and 7% Mataro, and a splash of Viognier. Killer stuff, it has a massive Syrah nose of black and blue fruits, ground pepper, game, and crushed violets. With full-bodied richness, a bright, juicy texture, ripe tannins, and a rocking finish, it's a thrill a minute and can be enjoyed today or cellared for a solid decade.
About the producer
Founded in 2002 by Justin and Heather Smith, Saxum Vineyards is a leading Paso Robles producer of Rhône-inspired wines. Limited to around 8,000 cases annually, the range includes Broken Stones, James Berry Vineyard, Bone Rock and Rocket Block.