Saxum Vineyards The Hexe, Paso Robles Willow Creek District, USA 2019
Hexe can have two meanings, to perform magic or, simply, a witch. I like them both when applied to this wine. It is a multi-vineyard cuvée that is built around Grenache. Not just any old Grenache. We are selecting our blackest, most wicked Grenaches, the ones that we know will benefit from 33 months aging in various large puncheons or concrete amphora. The heart of this cuvée is the oldest block at James Berry Vineyard, a South facing hilltop Grenache block that was planted in 1980. Around this lot we like to weave in some of the most intense Grenache and Mataro blocks from G2 Vineyard, along with a bit of Petite Sirah from Paderewski Vineyard. It is the dark side of Grenache. Black magic.
NOTES FROM JUSTIN:
The brooding side of Grenache. Dark fruited, sandalwood, black pepper. Long caressing finish. It's really fun to taste it side by side with the Rocket. I love it!
These 2019 wines have a little something for everyone, which is why I think I like them so much. Lifted, fresh aromatics of sage and spice and fruit. Along with lots of rich California fruit, deep textures, smooth tannins and lively acids that keep it all harmonizing so well. These days there are so many great wines out there that have one or the other. Rich, smooth tannins, or fresh, spice/fruit driven aromatics. I find it rare to have both, and frankly, that's my holy grail. What really piques my interest.
" The deeper plum-hued 2019 Hexe is a more diverse blend composed of 49% Grenache, 18% Petite Sirah, 16% Mataro, 9% Graciano, and 8% Syrah. The élevage here is similar to the Rocket Block, and it spent 32 months in 55% new French oak 300-liter barrels. Pure gold in Rhône blends from California, it has a massive bouquet of ripe black fruit, chocolate, smoked earth, graphite, ground pepper, and assorted meaty nuances, among other things. All of these carry over to the palate, where the wine is massively rich, full-bodied, and concentrated, with a layered, multi-dimensional texture. I was able to taste this on two separate occasions and thought it was a perfect wine both times. It shows the tighter, focused style of the 2019 vintage and deserves 2-4 years of bottle age. It will unquestionably keep for two decades." Jeb Dunnuck 100