2019 Bone Rock

Leading off the 2019s, the 2019 Bone Rock is based on 73% Syrah, 14% Graciano, 9% Petite Sirah, and the rest Roussanne that's all from the estate James Berry Vineyard. Aged 34 months in 70% new French oak, it has a killer nose of black and blue fruits, game, iron, and spring flowers. This carries to a full-bodied, powerful Syrah with a stacked mid-palate, remarkable purity, and enough structure and tannins to warrant 2-4 years in the cellar. It's a heavenly expression of Syrah that will have two decades of longevity. 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.