2022 Broken Stones Syrah
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Tasting notes
66% Syrah, 13% Graciano, 11% Zinfandel, 10% Grenache. 22% whole cluster. 22 months in 21% neutral 225-litre barrels and 79% new 225-litre French oak barrels. Deep, inky purple. Densely fruited nose with layered black cherry and dried black plum. Rippling concentration and power with muscular tannin and balanced acidity. Finishes with a swish of oak and spicy Angostura bitters. (SCJ)
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
One of the more structured, inward 2022s from Smith and a wine that's going to benefit from short-term cellaring, the 2022 Broken Stones checks in as 66% Syrah, 13% Graciano, 11% Zinfandel, and the rest Grenache. It takes some coaxing but slowly gives up wonderfully pure red and black fruits interwoven with classic peppery herbs, violets, savory spice, and floral nuances. Beautifully textured and medium to full-bodied, with just about perfect tannins, it needs to be hidden for 3-4 years but is one hell of an impressive wine.
The 2022 Broken Stones is intense and tightly coiled at first, as dried black cherries mix with spiced orange peels and nuances of incense lifted by a whiff of fresh mint. It coasts across the palate with ease, energetic and spry, with mineral-inflected red berry fruit and a saturation of spice that emerges through the close. A cascade of violet inner florals and spice lingers as the 2022 tapers off long with silken tannins that resonate. Beautifully balanced, it does not show any of the negative drawbacks of the 2022 vintage.
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.