Ratings & Tasting Notes:
96 points Wine Advocate
Review Date: 06/2024
The 2020 The Hexe is a blend of 51% Grenache, 17% Petite Sirah, 11% Graciano, 10% Mataro, 7% Syrah and 4% Carignan aged 32 months in 75% new 300-liter barrels and 20% amphora. The nose is poised yet intense, combining savory, decadent aromas of black plums, blackberry compote, black pepper and olive framed by pleasing hints of new French oak that should integrate into further complexity with time in the bottle. The palate is gigantic yet impressively balanced, with a sappy, concentrated, decadent texture slingshotting into a refined, pleasant, expansive finish that grows continuously layered with time—a fantastic success within an immensely challenging vintage. (ML)
Cult Wines International Notes:
The 2022 Saxum “The Hexe” is a powerful, dark-fruited blend that winemaker Justin Smith describes as the “dark side of Grenache.” In a vintage defined by a significant California heatwave, this wine stands out for its structural intensity and “hedonistic” mouthfeel, achieving a unique balance between opulence and herbal complexity. The 2022 blend is composed of 40% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 18% Mataro, 16% Graciano, and 6% Petite Sirah, sourced primarily from the oldest hilltop blocks at the James Berry Vineyard with a contribution from the G2 Vineyard. After aging for 32 months in French oak, the resulting wine is deep ruby-plum in color, offering a brooding bouquet of ripe black fruits, fennel seed, sage, and graphite.
On the palate, The Hexe is celebrated for its seamless, velvety texture and “building” tannins that provide a sophisticated frame for its rich fruit profile. Unlike the more red-fruit-driven Rocket Block, the 2022 Hexe leans into savory, peppery herbs and dark chocolate notes, delivering a full-bodied experience that remains remarkably poised despite its substantial weight. Critics have lauded its “Southern Rhône-like” soul and incredible finish, with Jeb Dunnuck awarding it a stellar 96 points. This vintage is built for the long haul; while its soft tannins make it approachable early, its depth and structure suggest it will continue to evolve gracefully through 2040 and beyond.
Bottle Size:
750 mL
Storage History:
Always stored on its side in a climate-controlled cellar.
Condition:
Perfect.
