Ratings & Tasting notes:    

Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Advocate #226, Aug 2016

Rating: (95-97)

Drink: N/A

The upfront and decadently styled 2014 Heart Stone Vineyard is full-bodied and expansive, with killer notes of black raspberries, spice, licorice, dried herbs and chalky minerality. Coming from a seven-acre vineyard planted on a gentle south-facing slope and a final blend of 57% Syrah, 24% Grenache and 19% Mourvèdre, drink it while you give the other releases a few years in the cellar (if you can resist, anyways). One of the superstars in California is undoubtedly the humble, soft spoken, yet incredibly talented Justin Smith, who has had the reins at Saxum since 2000. And while a lot of winemakers would have been content to stick with the tried and true at this point, Smith continues to question, experiment and fine tune everything he does. Today, his wines are much more finesse oriented, pure and graceful than in the past, without sacrificing texture, concentration or richness. In short, these wines kick ass.

Bottle Size:

750 mL

Storage History:

Stored in a climate controlled cellar on its side in the dark at 55 degrees F and 75% humidity since purchase.

Condition:

Label: Perfect
Capsule: Perfect
Fill Level: Mid Neck