Saxum 2009 Paderewski Vineyard
From a vineyard site that Justin Smith developed for the owners of Epoch Winery, the 2009 Paderewski Vineyard proprietary blend takes a page from the Linne Calodo playbook. Combining Zinfandel with other Rhone varietals, Smith’s goal with this wine was to include the original varieties that made the Paderewski Vineyard famous: Zinfandel and Petite Sirah, and blend it with the Rhone varietals that he has been so successful with at his estate vineyards in the Paso Robles region. The final blend was 39% Zinfandel, 38% Syrah, 13% Petite Sirah, and 10% Mourvedre.
Smith described 2009 in Paso Robles as a long, cold growing season with a lot of rain. All of the Grenache and Syrah were picked before the October 13th big storm, while the Mourvedre was picked a few weeks later. Smith credits dry-farming for keeping his vines robust and able to withstand the weather variables. Saxum wines are never racked off their lees and are bottled unfined and unfiltered. For the Paderewski bottling, all the varietals were planted in separate plots but co-fermented together to achieve the unusual flavor profile.
This indigo-purple colored wine has perfumed aromas of dark wild berries, exotic spices and herbs. Layers of dense, dark fruits unfold in the mouth, with nuances of flowers and minerals in a spicy, pure finish.
Here is what Antonio Galloni of the Wine Advocate had to say about the Saxum 2009 Paderewski Vineyard:
97 POINTS ROBERT PARKER’S WINE ADVOCATE: “…Layers of dark fruit meld into flowers, mint, sweet spices, menthol, eucalyptus and plums, with marvelous density and harmony. This shows superb aromatic complexity and tons of nuance to match its absolutely striking personality. It is a dazzling effort, especially for a young vineyard in just its third leaf.”
*Please enter coupon code EXOTIC10 during checkout to receive an additional 10% off the selected California Exotic Red and Exotic White wines in this sale. Offer valid through 6/10/2012 at 11:59 p.m. PST. This offer is valid only on www.wineranger.com. Applicable taxes are additional. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer. No adjustments to prior purchases.