Saxum James Berry Vineyard (1.5L Magnum) 2016

Professional Ratings

• 100 Jeb Dunnuck
  I tasted the 2016 James Berry Vineyard out of barrel and it’s a smokin’ blend of 55% Grenache, 24% Mourvèdre, 13% Syrah and 8% Counoise that saw 24% whole clusters and aging mostly in barrel. Black raspberry and cassis intermixed with notions of mint, violets/spring flowers and pepper give way to a sensationally layered, full-bodied, gorgeous red that has excellent freshness and a great, great finish. While this cuvée has leaned towards to the more elegant side of the spectrum over the past 6-7 years, this is a return to the richer, more blockbuster style versions, and I think it’s better for it. Rating 98-100.
• 97 Wine Spectator
  Plush, polished and dynamic, with complexly layered blackberry, violet, garrigue, crushed stone and smoky pepper flavors that build richness and spirit toward refined tannins. Grenache, Syrah, Counoise and Mataro. Drink now through 2028.
• 97 James Suckling

  Plush, polished and dynamic, with complexly layered blackberry, violet, garrigue, crushed stone and smoky pepper flavors that build richness and spirit toward refined tannins. Grenache, Syrah, Counoise and Mataro. Drink now through 2028. 

• 96 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

  The 2016 James Berry Vineyard Red is a blend of 55% Grenache, 24% Mataro, 13% Syrah and 8% Counoise. It was made with 24% whole cluster and aged 21 months in 82% new French oak. Medium to deep ruby, the nose is super intense: cranberry jelly, raspberry, strawberry and red cherry jam aromas mingle with notes of spun sugar, orange oil, dried flowers, potpourri and loads of amaro accents. Medium to full-bodied, intense, layered and super pretty in the mouth with all those high-toned accents, it has a super finely grained frame, addicting freshness and a very long finish. This is on fire!