2016 Saxum Vineyards James Berry Vineyard Paso Robles MAGNUM

(100 Points) One of the greatest GSM blends to ever come out of California is the 2016 James Berry Vineyard, which is 55% Grenache, 24% Mourvèdre, 13% Syrah, and 8% Counoise. This sensational wine reminds me of the 2016 Mon Aïeul from Pierre Usseglio with its awesome perfume of sweet blackberry and cassis fruits, smoke meats, exotic spice, licorice, and garrigue-like aromas and flavors. Deep, rich and layered on the palate, with a massive core of sweet fruit, this beauty builds with time in the glass and has incredible purity of fruit, a mix of richness and elegance that's hard to describe, sweet tannins, and a huge finish. It's every bit as impressive as the 2007 was on release. It needs a decant if drinking any time soon and should be at its best from 2020-2035. Hats off to Justin Smith for this incredible wine! I finished my note with 'the greatest GSM blend from California, ever.' Jeb Dunnuck