Saxum Vineyards 4hearts, Paso Robles Willow Creek District, USA 2023

The 4hearts Vineyard is just a short ways down Willow Creek Road from our estate. It is a wonderful, old school, dry farmed vineyard, planted low density and head trained, naturally without wires or irrigation. On this extremely steep hillside vineyard we have three blocks of fruit. Petite Sirah from the very highest point of the vineyard, then below and nearby on a South slope we have Zinfandel, and, *gasp, some Cabernet Sauvignon. Since these blocks are all dry farmed the fruit is very intense, so we prefer to let the cuvee age for 30+ months in a mix of French and, *second gasp, American oak. With this kiss of American oak and a Petite Sirah dominant blend we are tipping our proverbial hat to the classic California style, unabashed, proud of its uniqueness in this world of wine.

Wow, what a freaking wine. I love it. And it makes me sad because this is going to be our last vintage from this vineyard. Bittersweet! I have really loved working with this spot over the years, but we are transitioning to being 100% estate, which will ultimately lead to an increase in quality, but damn I enjoy this wine. This version, the best one yet I believe, has that perfect balance brought about by the unlikely trifecta of Cab Sauv, Petite Sirah, and Zinfandel. Each playing a vital role in the finished product; herbal (Cab), spicy (PS), fruity (Zin), and then sprinkle in that special sauce which is a little American oak and you got yourself something that could come from nowhere else on earth besides right here in the Willow Creek District of Paso Robles.

"A blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Petite Syrah, and 25% Zinfandel, aged 22 months in French oak, the 2023 Four Hearts Vineyard offers exotic aromatics of plums, pepper, tropical flowers, watermelon rind, and exotic herbs. It's full-bodied, with a broad, textured mouthfeel, ripe, polished tannins, and flawless overall balance. This brilliantly pure, seamless, graceful wine has so much to love and is guaranteed to put a smile on your face any time over the coming 15 years or more." Jeb Dunnuck 97