"The Hexe" 2017 - Saxum Vineyards

Tasting notes

98 points Vinous

"Explosive red/blue fruit preserve, incense and floral aromas show superb clarity and complementary hints of smoky minerals, incense and exotic spices; a candied licorice note emerges with aeration. Juicy and impressively concentrated yet surprisingly lithe as well, offering alluringly sweet Chambord, blueberry, cherry pie and lavender pastille flavors and emphatic spiciness. The extremely long, energetic finish features insistent florality and smooth, rounded tannins that merge seamlessly with the wine's clinging fruit. (JR"

Reference: JBHXSAX17

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INFORMATIONS ABOUT THE ESTATE

Saxum Vineyards: The Viticultural Excellence of Paso Robles

Saxum Vineyards, founded by Justin and Heather Smith, is today one of the most sought-after wineries in Paso Robles, California. Renowned for its Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre (GSM) blends, the estate expresses the full richness of the terroir through unique limestone soils and artisanal winemaking techniques.

An Exceptional Terroir

Located in the Willow Creek district, Saxum Vineyards enjoys an ideal climate for Rhône varietals. The vines are planted on steep hillsides with limestone-rich soils, giving the wines remarkable depth and elegance. This terroir, coupled with low yields and precision viticulture, results in wines of unparalleled concentration and finesse.

Philosophy and Winemaking

Justin Smith takes a non-interventionist approach, favoring natural methods to enhance the terroir expression:

✔ Organic and sustainable farming without pesticides or herbicides.
✔ Hand-harvested at optimal ripeness.
✔ Fermentation with native yeasts to preserve the identity of the wine.
✔ Extended aging in oak barrels and amphorae for added complexity.
✔ Limited production and bottling without filtration, ensuring wines of exceptional purity.

Iconic Wines of Saxum Vineyards

The estate's wines stand out for their aromatic richness, silky texture, and excellent aging potential. Some of the most prestigious cuvées include:

James Berry Vineyard Proprietary Red – An iconic blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, scored 100/100 by Robert Parker for the 2007 vintage.
Broken Stones – Dominated by Syrah, this wine offers tannic power and exceptional length.
Bone Rock – A terroir-driven wine, intense and complex, sourced from the James Berry Vineyard.

Recognition and Rarity

Saxum’s wines are highly sought after and produced in limited quantities (~3,000 cases annually). As the estate does not have an open tasting room, its wines are only available through a waiting list or select specialized wine merchants.

Why Choose a Wine from Saxum Vineyards?

✔ Perfect balance of power and elegance
✔ Unique limestone terroir of Paso Robles
✔ Exceptional ratings from international critics
✔ Artisanal, organic production methods

Conclusion

Saxum Vineyards embodies the excellence of Paso Robles’ finest wines, combining depth, minerality, and complexity. If you’re looking for an exceptional Californian wine, Saxum is an indispensable reference.