Red fruit and florality on the nose signify the varietal typicity of Saxum's flagship red, a Grenache-dominant blend that also features Mourvèdre, Syrah, Counoise and Carignan. The palate gives a core of dark fruit (blackberries and plums) and sweet toasted oak. Expertly balanced structural elements, from palate-cleansing acidity to the strong tannic backbone, point to excellent quality realised. (BC)

The 2022 James Berry Vineyard is a blend of 48% Grenache, 34% Mataro, 8% Syrah, 8% Counoise and 2% Carignan aged 22 months in a mixture of 300-liter and 600-liter barrels with 12% concrete amphora. It opens with a beaming, energetic nose of red berry compote, citrus rinds and mulberry jam. The palate is rich and powerful but elegant and charming, balancing plush ripeness with coiled reserves of tension. The finish takes a savory and meaty turn, braced with quenching acidity and swelling, precise and fine tannins. Harvested before the late-vintage heat waves, this wine beautifully displays its signature deft touch and will be fascinating to watch develop in the cellar. (ML)

The 2022 James Berry Vineyard is composed of 48% Grenache, 34% Mataro, 8% Syrah, 8% Counoise, and 2% Carignan. It was aged for 22 months in 300-liter and 600-liter barrels, plus 12% in amphora. Medium ruby-purple colored, a stunning perfume erupts from the glass, featuring notes of lilacs, cinnamon stick, rose bud tea, and wild sage, leading to a core of kirsch, raspberry pie, and pomegranate. Full-bodied, the palate is jam-packed with red berry preserves and baking spice flavors, supported by plush tannins and beautifully knit freshness, finishing long and fragrant. (LPB)