Saxum Vineyards The Hexe, Paso Robles Willow Creek District, USA 2021

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:
Black red to the edges with a beautiful, dark red Grenache driven nose accompanied by savory herbs and chaparral. Big structure and dusty tannins, but a smooth seductive side that really pleases the senses. I love this wine.

40% Grenache, 19% Graciano, 18% Syrah, 13% Mataro, 10% Petite Syrah

"A clear step up over the 2020 of this cuvée, the 2021 Hexe is up there with the 2016 and 2018. Coming from a south-facing parcel in the James Berry Vineyard (there's a kiss of G2 fruit) … it sports a dense purple hue as well as awesome levels of red
and black fruits, peppery herbs, sandalwood, loamy earth, and leather. I love its overall complexity, and it's full-bodied, with a multi-dimensional mouthfeel, lots of structure, and a blockbuster of a finish. Hide bottles for 4-5 years, count yourself lucky, and
enjoy over the following 15-20 years." Jeb Dunnuck 98+