Sextant Wines is proud to announce the release of two innovative new blends in its limited-production X-Series Collection: the 2021 Blend 497 and the 2021 Blend 2207. Estate-grown in the El Pomar District of Paso Robles and crafted with intention, each wine is a study in nontraditional blending and a testament to the exploratory spirit that defines the X-Series.
The X-Series Collection explores rare Old World varietals and hybrid blends, each wine reflective of the unique terroir of Sextant’s RBZ Vineyard. “These wines represent some of our most creative, small-lot efforts,” says winemaker Alex Frost. “The 2021 vintage gave us perfect fruit, long ripening windows and the opportunity to experiment with grapes you rarely see in California blends.”
The 2021 X-Series Blend 497 is a rare cofermentation of estate-grown Tempranillo and Graciano, harvested on the same day and fermented together in stainless steel. A touch of Syrah was added during barrel aging to enhance complexity. The result is a supple, spice-driven blend with bright cranberry on the palate and a smooth, elegant finish. This is the winery’s only cofermentation between red varietals—a practice that brings natural harmony from fermentation onward.
In a bold departure from tradition, the 2021 X-Series Blend 2207 leads with Carignan from one of the smallest blocks at Sextant’s RBZ Vineyard in the El Pomar sub-AVA. Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah round out the main components, with Grenache added to soften the palate of this structured and captivating blend. On the palate, dark berry flavors mingle with five-spice essence, complemented by long, lingering acidity. It marks the winery’s first use of Carignan in a blend.
Named for the vineyard blocks that composed the wines, the 2021 X-Series Blend 497 and Blend 2207 are now available for purchase at Sextant’s locations in Edna Valley and Paso Robles and online at www.sextantwines.com.
Sextant is offering a chance to taste the new blends along with the latest vintages of their Verdejo, Caladoc, and Marselan wines in a limited-time X-Series tasting flight available through Monday, September 1 (Labor Day). Call (805) 542-0133 or visit www.exploretock.com/sextantwines to book a reservation.