2021 The Hexe
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Tasting notes
This cuvée is built around the old blocks of James Berry vineyard. 40% Grenache, 19% Graciano, 18% Syrah, 13% Mataro, 10% Petite Sirah. 24% whole cluster. 34 months in 37% used foudre, 58% new 300-litre French oak barrels, and 5% neutral 300-litre barrels. Deep inky purple. Very rich and dark in profile with pungent spice – a bit like chewing a cinnamon stick. Lengthy. Fresh. Really structured chewy tannin. (SCJ)
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
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) and based on 40% Grenache, 19% Graciano, and the rest Syrah, Mataro, and Petite Sirah, 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.
The 2021 Hexe reveals depths of crushed raspberry lifted by nuances of sweet sage and lavender. Juicy and rounded, it offers ripe red and blue fruits elevated by a tinge of violet pastille, while a burst of baking spice embellishes the close. Crisp mineral tones come forward through the finish, providing perfect balance to the 2021’s decadent character as it tapers off long with a gentle tannic tug.
About the producer
Founded in 2002 by Justin and Heather Smith, Saxum Vineyards is a leading Paso Robles producer of Rhône-inspired wines. Limited to around 8,000 cases annually, the range includes Broken Stones, James Berry Vineyard, Bone Rock and Rocket Block.