2016 Saxum Vineyards The Hexe, 750 mL

56% Grenache, 13% Petite Sirah, 10% Syrah, 9% Mataro, 7% Zinfandel, 5% Tempranillo

ALC: 15.7%

Cases 750 ml: 671

Cases 1.5L: 80 AVA: Paso Robles Willow Creek Drink: now - 2030

Notes from Justin: It feels like this wine was a long time coming! Well, it actually was since it spent an extra year in barrel. Let me properly introduce this new cuvee. 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 cuvee 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 cuvee is the oldest block at James Berry Vineyard, a South facing hilltop Grenache block that was planted in 1980. Vines my parents planted when I was a kid. 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. I am super happy with how it came out. A textural wine, caressing and smooth, but with those incredible aromatics you only get from Grenache. Lifted red and black fruits and some beautiful spice notes from the barrels. Black magic. You are probably a little familiar with the 2016s. It was a phenomenal year, producing classic Saxum wines. Age worthy, but so full of vitality and fruit that they are enjoyable even in their youth. There's not a lot to say about this vintage except it was ideal.

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