2021 James Berry Proprietary Red

The 2022 James Berry Vineyard is a blend of 48% Grenache, 34% Mataro, 8% Syrah, 8% Counoise and 2% Carignan aged 22 months in a mixture of 300-liter and 600-liter barrels with 12% concrete amphora. It opens with a beaming, energetic nose of red berry compote, citrus rinds and mulberry jam. The palate is rich and powerful but elegant and charming, balancing plush ripeness with coiled reserves of tension. The finish takes a savory and meaty turn, braced with quenching acidity and swelling, precise and fine tannins. Harvested before the late-vintage heat waves, this wine beautifully displays its signature deft touch and will be fascinating to watch develop in the cellar. (ML)

The 2021 White James Berry Vineyard is a model of refinement, blending dusty florals with yellow apples, chamomile and hints of confectionary spice. It’s silky-smooth with a supple feel and crisp orchard fruits as a saline tinge adds a crunchy sensation toward the close. This finishes with outstanding length and a lemony concentration while leaving a fine coating of crisp tannins. This is simply fantastic and yet another example of the height that Grenache Blanc can reach in Paso Robles. It’s a blend of 62% Grenache Blanc, 18% Roussanne, 14% Chenin Blanc and 6% Chardonnay. (EG)

The 2021 James Berry Vineyard bursts from the glass with a collage of lavender, violets, baking spices and wild blueberries. This is cool-toned and racy in style, with depths of crisp wild berry fruits offset by a bitter tinge of dark chocolate and a salty flourish toward the close. Structured yet incredibly long, the 2021 finishes with a staining of primary concentration and edgy tannins, persisting with a twang of tart blackberry. The 2021 is power and finesse in one package.