2020 James Berry Proprietary Red

The 2020 James Berry Vineyard is mostly Grenache yet includes 21% Mataro, 12% Syrah, 9% Graciano, 6% Grenache Blanc, and 3% Counoise, all of which spent 22 months in 55% new 300-liter barrels, with a touch aged in amphora. It’s another outstanding, enjoyable 2020 that isn’t going to make you forget the 2019 or 2021, but it nevertheless offers ample pleasure. Ripe black fruits, peppery garrigue, smoked herbs, and graphite define the aromatics, and it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, nicely integrated tannins, and a great finish. Drink bottles any time over the coming 10-15 years. 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 James Berry Vineyard is youthfully understated in the glass, showing just glimpses of its black raspberry fruit and exotic spices. This is silky and elegant on the palate, with creamy red and black fruits carried across a core of zesty acidity. The James Berry leaves the senses stained in primary concentration, along with a coating of dusty tannins that promise many years of development.