Category: | Red Wines |
Sub-Category: | Red Wines |
Producer: | Saxum |
Label Name: | Broken Stones |
Vintage: | 2021 |
Country: | United States |
Region: | Paso Robles (Willow Creek District & San Luis Obispo County), California |
Volume: | 750ml |
ABV: | 15.5% |
Grape(s): | 54% Syrah, 24% Mataro (Mourvèdre), 20% Graciano, 2% Petite Sirah |
Acidity: | 3 |
Tannins: | 4 |
Sweetness: | 1 |
Body: | 5 |
Length: | 5 |
Aroma Intensity: | 5 |
Best Temperature: | 16-18°C |
Awards/Ratings
Decanter 97 pts (2024); Wine Spectator 96 pts; Wine Advocate 95 pts (Jun 2024); Vinous 95 pts; multiple top-95+ scores and wide acclaim
Tasting Note
Concentrated black and blue fruit, roasted plum, black cherry, savory herbs, floral perfume, black pepper and orange-peel spice; crushed-stone minerality, new oak sweetness and persistent, swelling tannins lead to a long, savory finish.
Food Pairing
Grilled ribeye, lamb chops, braised short ribs, charred vegetables, aged Manchego; Asian: Korean BBQ (bulgogi), char siu, Sichuan-style beef, miso-glazed dishes, hearty Japanese yakiniku.
Production Method
Fermented with ~30% whole clusters; aged 18–22 months predominantly in new French barriques (225L); never racked off the lees; bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Vineyard Info
Saxum, founded by Justin and Heather Smith (early 2000s) in Paso Robles, focuses on low-yield Rhône-style blends from limestone-rich sites; small-production, sustainably farmed cuvées with strong critical acclaim.