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United States · California

Saxum

Saxum Vineyards, founded by James Berry and Justin Smith in 2002 in Paso Robles, became one of the benchmark producers for California's Central Coast Rhone-variety wines. The James Berry Vineyard, which the family has farmed since the 1980s, sits on calcareous soils and volcanic basalt on the west side of Paso Robles—dramatically different from the clay-dominant east side—producing wines of unusual mineral complexity for Central Coast Rhone blends. Justin Smith's flagship Broken Stones blends Syrah with Mourvedre, Grenache, and other Rhone varieties; the James Berry Vineyard red is the top single-vineyard expression. At auction, 753 lots average $144 per bottle with a ceiling of $1,195. The 2009 vintage is the top auction year. Saxum is best known for receiving multiple perfect 100-point scores from Robert Parker, which drove initial auction price spikes and sustained collector interest. The estate also produces a rare James Berry Vineyard White and the Rocket Block from a specific parcel within the property.

Saxum's James Berry Vineyard Red received 100 points from Robert Parker for the 2007 vintage, marking the first 100-point score awarded to any Central Coast wine and fundamentally establishing Paso Robles as a serious fine wine appellation in the collector market.
The James Berry Vineyard sits on soils containing both volcanic basalt and fossilized oyster shells (calcareous limestone)—a unique geological combination on Paso Robles' west side that contributes minerals and structure atypical for California Rhone-variety wines.
Total Saxum production is approximately 3,000–4,000 cases annually, with the James Berry Vineyard red representing approximately 800–1,000 cases; limited production combined with Parker 100-point status drives secondary market activity well beyond what volume alone would support.
The 2009 Broken Stones achieved near-perfect critical scores and remains the estate's strongest auction vintage, trading above $200 per bottle for well-stored examples—significantly above the $144 portfolio average and reflecting Parker's extraordinary influence on the Paso Robles market.

Auction Lots

753

Avg Price / Bottle

$144

Top Vintage

2009

Price Range

$63 – $1.2k

In the Glass

West Paso Robles Rhone varieties on calcareous soils: Broken Stones shows dark raspberry, blackberry, smoked meat, olive, and white pepper—the Southern Rhone character in a warmer California setting. James Berry Vineyard red adds greater density and volcanic mineral depth: iron, crushed rock, and black olive alongside the fruit. The style is powerful and full-bodied (14.5–16% alcohol) but marked by unusual structural acidity and minerality from the limestone soils. James Berry White shows Grenache Blanc and Roussanne richness: peach, almond, and floral complexity.

Portfolio

WineColourAvg PriceLots SoldTop Vintage
Broken Stones SyrahRed$1172002009
James BerryRed$215682006
James Berry Vineyard WhiteWhite$124392019
James Berry Vineyard Rocket BlockRed$120322021

Saxum is based in the California wine region.

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