2021 Saxum 'Broken Stones' Red Blend

Aromas of roasted plum, black cherry preserve, and wild blueberry integrate with savory notes of grilled anise, black olive, and a hint of smoked beef. The palate is full-bodied and exceptionally concentrated, featuring a dense core of dark berry fruit and a polished, supple texture. It displays firm yet rounded tannins and a surprising energy that leads to a long, expansive finish marked by a distinct stony minerality and a liquid floral concentration.

Winemaker Justin Smith utilizes a Syrah-dominant blend that includes Mataro, Graciano, and a splash of Petite Sirah. In the cellar, the fruit is fermented with 30% whole clusters to add aromatic lift and structural tension. The wine matures for twenty-two months primarily in small, 225-liter French oak barriques, approximately 75% of which are new. This higher proportion of new oak and smaller barrels is used to harmonize the wine's significant power and tannins, resulting in a rich, textured profile that remains fresh and focused.

The fruit is grown in the Paso Robles region, primarily sourced from the legendary James Berry Vineyard along with select lots from G2, Heart Stone, and Dusi. The site is defined by its shallow, rocky limestone soils and ancient seabed origins. These vineyards sit within the cooling influence of the Templeton Gap, which provides the diurnal shifts necessary to achieve massive ripeness without losing acidity. This specific vintage also marks the first inclusion of Syrah from the cool, high-elevation Old Creek Vineyard in the Santa Lucia Mountains, adding a unique black pepper spice to the classic Broken Stones profile.