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96+ WA. "Reminding me of a top 2010 Châteauneuf-du-Pape (the 2010 Raymond Usseglio Cuvée Impériale to be exact), the 2011 James Berry Vineyard is a blend of 69% Grenache, 13% Mourvèdre, 13% Syrah, 2% Counoise, and a splash of Roussanne, that was aged in a combination of concrete (Grenache) and larger oak puncheons. A fresh, detailed and more elegant example of the cuvée, it offers gorgeous notes of ripe berry fruit, loads of exotic spice, violets, pepper and lavender to go with a full-bodied, beautifully pure and layered profile on the palate. It’s no blockbuster, but has loads of energy and tension, as well as class and refinement. This was another great visit with Justin Smith, and he continues to tweak and experiment with varying degrees of whole cluster and concrete, puncheon and barrel aging regimes . . . . these are incredible wines that make the most of this special terroir. Truthfully, there are few mailing lists out there worth being on, but without a doubt, this is one of them." Wine Advocate #214, Aug 2014 |