Saxum Vineyards The Hexe, Paso Robles Willow Creek District, USA 2022
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.
A complete 180 from the '22 Rocket Block, even though the blend is similar. Much darker fruit, and I think the herbal notes take the lead over Grenache’s typical red fruit. More fennel seed and sage. In the mouth it’s more about structure with nice oak tannins framing up the fruit. I’d say it has great complexity and like the '21 Somnus will really shine with some time in bottle. It’s a tour de force of old vine Grenache.
"Deep ruby/plum-hued, the 2022 Hexe is based on 40% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 18% Mataro, 16% Graciano, and 6% Petite Sirah, aged 32 months in French oak. Powerful notes of ripe black fruits, plums, peppery herbs, and graphite dominate the bouquet. It's deep, full-bodied, and textured on the palate, with ripe, polished, yet building tannins, no hard edges, and an incredible finish. This powerful, serious, sensational Southern Rhône-like blend will drink well for 15+ years." Jeb Dunnuck 98
