Saxum Vineyard

Saxum Vineyards is a highly regarded boutique winery located in the Paso Robles wine region of California's Central Coast. Founded in 2001 by winemaker Justin Smith, Saxum Vineyards has gained a cult-like following for its exceptional Rhône-style wines.

Justin Smith, along with his wife Heather, established Saxum with a focus on crafting wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region. The vineyards of Saxum are located in the Willow Creek District of Paso Robles, where the combination of diverse soils, cool coastal breezes, and warm sunshine create ideal conditions for growing grapes.

The winery is best known for its production of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre blends, which are commonly referred to as GSM wines. These Rhône varietals thrive in the vineyards of Saxum and are carefully nurtured to achieve optimal ripeness and flavor development.

Saxum's winemaking approach is deeply rooted in a respect for nature and the vineyard. The vineyards are managed using sustainable and organic practices, and the grapes are harvested by hand at optimal ripeness. In the cellar, Justin Smith employs traditional winemaking techniques with a focus on minimal intervention. The wines are often fermented using native yeasts, aged in French oak barrels, and bottled without fining or filtration to preserve their purity and expression.

The wines of Saxum Vineyards have garnered widespread critical acclaim and are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. They are celebrated for their depth, complexity, and balance, offering a harmonious blend of fruit, structure, and elegance.

Saxum's flagship wine, the James Berry Vineyard, has been consistently rated among the top wines in California. Other notable vineyard sources for Saxum include Paderewski Vineyard, Booker Vineyard, and Heart Stone Vineyard, among others. Each vineyard site contributes its own distinct character and personality to the final blends.

With a limited production and a strong commitment to quality, Saxum Vineyards remains a small, family-owned operation that exemplifies the craftsmanship and dedication of its founder, Justin Smith. The wines of Saxum continue to captivate wine lovers with their profound expression of Paso Robles' unique terroir and have firmly established the winery as one of California's premier producers of Rhône-style wines.

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