2020 Broken Stones Syrah
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Tasting notes
The 2020 Broken Stones combines 57% Syrah, 13% Grenache, 11% Graciano, 10% Mataro, 6% Petite Sirah and 3% Zinfandel. The nose is brooding, perfumed and intriguing, driven by dark-fruited, peppery, savory aromas with accents of purple flowers. The palate is unabashed in its plush concentration, leading to an intense and harmonious finish of structured, fine tannins surrounding grilled, meaty flavors that, if tasted in the context of a non-Syrah-dominate wine, could be perceived as hints of smoke-tinged fruit. However, the performance of the nose and overall completeness of the finish are instructive and reassuring, especially when tasted side by side with more clearly affected wines in the roster.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Eric Guido, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Leading off the 2020s from bottle, the 2020 Broken Stones is based on 57% Syrah, 13% Grenache, 11% Graciano, 10% Mataro, 6% Petite Sirah, and the balance Zinfandel, all aged 20 months in 70% new French oak. It does well in the vintage, with a deeper, full-bodied, concentrated style to go with plenty of perfumed darker berry fruits as well as notes of ground pepper, smoked herbs, and graphite. It has good purity of fruit, ripe tannins, and outstanding length. The 2020s from Saxum are solid wines, although there are subtle signs of smoke in a few of the wines, and in general, the wines are narrower and more focused than normal, yet still nicely concentrated. At a high level, I think these are good to outstanding wines that will offer pleasure. Clearly the 2021s are a step up, and this is another brilliant vintage for winemaker Justin Smith.
The 2020 Broken Stones is undeniably pretty, with sweet spice and dusty rose giving way to crushed strawberries. This traverses both salty and sweet, with crisp red fruits and mineral tones motivated by zesty acidity. The Broken Stones finishes gently tannic, with a saturation of primary concentration that adds further tension, yet this retains remarkable freshness.
About the producer
Founded in 2002 by Justin and Heather Smith, Saxum Vineyards is a leading Paso Robles producer of Rhône-inspired wines. Limited to around 8,000 cases annually, the range includes Broken Stones, James Berry Vineyard, Bone Rock and Rocket Block.