Saxum "Rocket Block" James Berry Vyd. Paso Robles 2003

Red/purple.

Shoe-polish, A-1 steak sauce, earth and little else at this point. Reminds me of Priorat.

Huge, low-toned sweetness in the mouth. But refined as well, with strong acidity providing a nice counterweight. Structure coats the front teeth with "mineral" chew, but (relatively simple) flavor sweetness sails on. Two tracks.

16.6% alcohol - where is this going? Got me.

Day 4 - Nose now includes a creamy, confectionary red and black fruit character. Absolutely huge, creamy, sweet palate impression that hits an alcohol speed bump in the mid-palate and doesn't recover.

It would be very interesting to taste this blind against '03 luxury Chateauneufs (Deux Freres, Centenaire, etc.) and Priorats (Erasmus, Mogador, Mas Doix).

50% Grenache, 40% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah

$70