Saxum Broken Stones Vertical

WINE TALK
1

At a dinner a couple of months ago, my friend Tom F. opened a 2006 Broken Stones. It inspired me to do a sort of mini vertical over the last few months to see how these are drinking. I only went back to 2006 as past that I am down to my lone bottles. Perhaps a full vertical is due in the near future. Anyway, these were all consumed on separate occasions, but I thought it might be helpful to list them all here together.

  • 2005 Saxum Broken Stones - USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles (12/11/2013)
    This is in a great place right now. Still young and youthful but past the exuberant release and subsequent stage. Purple in color. The nose is black raspberries, blue berries, iodine, bacon fat and black pepper. Slight VA. Lush velvety texture. This has the really light on its feet quality while still being large and in charge. One of the things I loved about Saxum. Complex and layered to drink. With air it softens and expands. The last glass is the best and none left for a Day 2. No hurry on these at all but if you still have a few, worth checking in on. (95 pts.)
  • 2008 Saxum Broken Stones - USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles (12/5/2013)
    In a very nice spot although this was better on day 2. Purple in color with a ruby rim. The nose has camphor, black raspberries, black pepper and spice. Smooth and drinks well. Great raspberry fruit and very smooth. On day 2 it starts to unwind showing layers of fruit and earthiness. Lush texture. (95 pts.)
  • 2007 Saxum Broken Stones - USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles (12/2/2013)
    Best bottle of this yet. Still young but starting to shed some of the rawness of youth. Black raspberries, black pepper, raspberries, grilled meats, slight bacon fat notes on the nose. Complex and lush. No heat. Long finish. Layered on the palate. Drank over two nights, better on night two. Fantastic wine. (97 pts.)
  • 2009 Saxum Broken Stones - USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles (12/2/2013)
    In a nit of an awkward/disjointed phase right now. The nose is huge with some VA. Black raspberries and black pepper with some spice. On the palate, great texture but there is some heat on the back end. Lots of fruit. Better after about 6 hours of air. It is a fantastic wine, but not as good as the 07 or 2010 consumed recently. (93 pts.)
  • 2010 Saxum Broken Stones - USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles (11/18/2013)
    Pop and poured, the first glass was difficult. Port like with heat on the nose and the palate. Let it sit for an hour and started again. The nose is better with black raspberries, iodine, leather and grilled meats. Smoother if still monolithic on the palate. With more air, the nose becomes enticing and layered. Add some blueberries and black pepper to the mix. The palate smooths out as well. With about 4 hours of air, this is singing. No sign of alcohol or heat. Its gotten more lively as shows depth and nuances. Last glass after its been open for 7 hours I easily the best. Complex and smooth. Not over powering. Wonderful wine, but decant or wait. (95 pts.)
  • 2006 Saxum Broken Stones - USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles (11/8/2013)
    Colgin, SQN, SHS, Saxum, Bevan, DP ++++ (GHT): There is a some VA on the nose at first. Noticeable, but after a few minutes it blows off leaving raspberries, black raspberries, slight blueberries, grilled meats, and white pepper. Layered, complex and delicious. Full bodied but a bit slicker than the Bone Rock. Great balance. Long finish. No heat or noticeable alcohol. Saxums, for m, almost always have this nimbleness on a large frame (think Ali) that makes them easy to drink and complex. (96 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker

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Thanks for doing this! Been looking at my Saxums and wondering what to open this winter, sounds like the 06 is as good of place as any to start:-)

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Goodness I love that 2006 Broken Stones. You skipped the 08 and we have liked that one as well. 07 is terrific but don’t have it next to the Bone Rock from 2007!

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Loren - nice notes, thanks for posting. I had the 09 shortly after release and it was awkward then too. Last week I was lucky enough to have the '10 with some other DC guys, and boy was it good. Very impressive! Cheers

5

Never had a Saxum, but looking forward to it. Is there a savory or briny component that comes through on the palate?

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If by savory you mean meats, smoked meats, etc. then I would say yes. As to briny, have never picked that up on any Saxum I have drunk.

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I think you have been drinking too much saxum. [snort.gif] [cheers.gif] Its there, just not in order. I agree on the Bone Rock and of course, the regular James Berry in 07.

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Cherish my remaining '06 and '07s.

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LOL, just tired from sleeping with my 3.5 y/o monkey son who bitchslaps me at night.

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Glenn - with no offense intended, do not sleep with the monkey son. Visit as needed with reassurance provided. Repeat as necessary. As those summer road construction signs promise…Temporary inconvenience, permanent improvement.

I am still kicking myself for buying a bunch of the 2007 Saxum, but not getting any of the Broken Stones.

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We are trying Dave, it is a process. Saxum helps.

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Stay strong Glenn - just not doing it shortens the cycle immeasurably

As an incentive, I will ship you a bottle of Saxum (or Edith Rose) once you have this licked.

champagne.gif

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Don’t you love that Edith? I may have some tonight with all the winter sunshine.

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Yes, but it is snowing here - let me know when the problem is solved, and send me your address.

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I only went back to 2006 as past that I am down to my lone bottles.

How do you think you will drink your solo’s?
I think I have an 8 year vertical of Bone Rock, but the older ones are all last standing soldiers. I will have difficulty saying goodbye.

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Bill, I hear you. Most likely I will do it as a vertical with friends. Let them all go out in a blaze of glory.

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Undoubtedly the best plan.