November 17, 2010
Saxum's 2007 James Berry Vineyard is Wine Spectator's No. 1 Wine of 2010!

Justin Smith, Winemaker & Owner of Saxum

2007 James Berry Vineyard, Paso Robles, California (2008 in stock)

"In 1998, when 28-year-old Justin Smith started making wine in Paso Robles, it was a sleepy Central Coast area. Now the wine region is one of California’s fastest-growing. West Paso has a magical combination of rocky limestone soils, rolling hillsides and a not-too-cool climate that gives red Rhône varieties a firm structure to frame their rich, dark berry flavors.

Smith, who owns the 3,000-case Saxum winery with his wife, Heather, creates wines of distinctive character, depth and personality. In 2007, a near-perfect vintage, Saxum’s wines reached new heights. The 2007 James Berry Vineyard Paso Robles is a blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah from a vineyard named after Smith’s father. The three varieties are aged 20 months in new and used barriques and large puncheons, to emphasize fruit purity. With its classic quality and reasonable price, this wine is a testament that Paso Robles has earned its place on the world stage." - Wine Spectator

98pts Wine Spectator 2/28/2010
"An amazing wine, dense, rich and layered, offering a mix of power and finesse, with concentrated dark berry fruit, mineral, sage, herb and cedar notes that are pure, intense, focused and persistent. Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah. Drink now through 2018."

November 16, 2010
Stephen Tanzer IWC Nov/Dec 2010

Focus on Central Coast - By Josh Reynolds

Brewer-Clifton - Greg Brewer and Steve Clifton told me that they consider 2008 "an ideal vintage for our style: that is, fragrant, spicy and bright."
2009 Chardonnay Sta Rita Hills - 91 pts (2008 in stock)
2009 Chardonnay Sea Smoke Vineyard Sta Rita Hills - 92 pts
2009 Chardonnay Gnesa Sta Rita Hills - 93 pts
2009 Chardonnay Mount Carmel Sta Rita Hills - 94 pts (2008 in stock)
2009 Chardonnay Sweeney Canyon Sta Rita Hills- 94 pts
2008 Pinot Noir Sta Rita Hills - 91 pts
2008 Pinot Noir Clos Pepe Sta Rita Hills - 93 pts
2008 Pinot Noir Ampelos Sta Rita Hills - 94 pts
2008 Pinot Noir Cargasacchi Sta Rita Hills - 92 pts
2008 Pinot Noir Mount Carmel Vineyard Sta Rita Hills - 93 pts
2008 Pinot Noir Melville Sta Rita Hills - 94 pts

Diatom - Greg Brewer describes 2009 as an ideal Diatom vintage "because it's a year whose strength is in site expression and clarity. Not too ripe, definitely not underripe; it's all about balance."
2009 Chardonnay Clos Pepe - 92 pts
2009 Chardonnay Drum Canyon - 92 pts

Palmina - Chrystal and Steve Clifton have positioned their winery as one of the best, if not the best, sources for Italianate wines in the U.S.
2009 Tocai Friulano Honea Vineyard - 89 pts
2009 Arneis Honea Vineyard Santa Ynez Valley - 90 pts
2009 Dolcetto Santa Barbara County - 90 pts (2008 in stock)
2009 Barbera Santa Barbara County - 88 pts (2008 in stock)
2007 Undici Sangiovese Santa Ynez Valley - 91 pts (2006 in stock)
2006 Nebbiolo Santa Barbara County - 91 pts

Best New Releases from Spain, Part 2 - by Josh Raynolds
Bodega Bernabeleva
2009 Camino - 90 pts
2008 Navaherreros - 91 pts

Descendientes de Palacios
2008 Corullon - 92 pts (Spring 2011)
2009 Petalos - 91 pts (Spring 2001 - 2008 in stock)
2008 Moncerbal - 94 pts (Spring 2011)
2008 Las Lamas - 93 pts (Spring 2011 - 2006 in stock)

Bodegas Olivares 
2009 Altos de la Hoya - 90 pts (Jan 2011- 2008 in stock)
2008 Monastrell Dulce - 92 pts (Spring 2011 - 2006 in stock)

A. Palacios
2008 Camins del Priorat - 90 pts (2007 in stock - 2008 arriving Dec)
2008 Les Terrasses VV - 92 pts (2007 in stock)
2008 Finca Dofi - 93 pts (2007 in stock)
2008 L'Ermita - 94 pts (2006 in stock 96 WA/ 95 IWC)

New Releases from Washington State - by Stephen Tanzer

Abeja
2008 Chardonnay - 88 pts

Andrew Rich
2008 Gewurztraminer - 90 pts (2007 in stock)

L'Ecole
2007 Merlot Columbia Valley - 89 pts
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley - 89 pts
2007 Syrah Columbia Valley - 89 pts
2007 Apogee Pepper Bridge Walla Walla Valley- 90 pts
2007 Perigee Seven Hills Vineyard Walla Walla Valley- 89 pts
2008 Syrah Seven Hills Vineyard Walla Walla Valley - 90 pts

Owen Roe
2008 Merlot Dubrul Vineyard Yakima Valley - 89 pts
2008 Cabernet Franc Rosa Mystica Yakima Valley - 90 pts
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Red Willow 1973 Block Yakima Valley - 90 pts
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Dubrul Vineyard Yakima Valley - 91 pts
2008 Syrah Lady Rosa Yakima Valley - 91 pts
2008 Syrah Ex Umbris Columbia Valley - 89 pts