2020 Saxum G2

Another outstanding wine in the vintage is the 2020 G2 Vineyard, which is based on 52% Grenache, 21% Mataro, 14% Graciano, 11% Syrah, and 2% Carignan that spent 22 months in 55% new oak. It has a clean, pretty nose of both red and black fruits, graphite, and ground pepper to go with a full-bodied, concentrated style on the palate that opens up nicely with time in the glass. I don’t think it matches prior vintages, but I was able to taste this on multiple occasions with consistent notes. It should keep for 10-15 years, easily, and I’d happily drink a bottle. The 2020s from Saxum are solid wines, although there are subtle signs of smoke in a few of the wines, and in general, the wines are narrower and more focused than normal, yet still nicely concentrated. At a high level, I think these are good to outstanding wines that will offer pleasure. Clearly the 2021s are a step up, and this is another brilliant vintage for winemaker Justin Smith.

The 2020 G2 Vineyard is elegant and perfumed, showing a blend of wild strawberries and blueberries complicated by Violette Pastille. This is like pure silk, with depths of mineral-tinged red and black berries that saturate the palate in primary concentration. It finishes gently tannic and potent, leaving traces of molten chocolate and rum-soaked currants to linger.