My Wine of the Week (“WoW”) for July 7-July 13 is the 2008 Hawk and Horse Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon.

The Winery

Hawk and Horse Vineyards was founded in 1999 by the Boies and Hawkins families.  It is located in Lake County, which is north of the Napa Valley. It is a family-owned and operated  1300 acre ranch that includes an 18 acres of vineyards  (15 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon planted in 2001, and 1 acre each of Cabernet Franc, Petite Sirah, and Petit Verdot planted in 2009).  The vineyard soil is rocky, red volcanic soil that are a natural product of volcanic activity from nearby (now dormant) Mt. Konocti.

Their first release was the 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon.  In addition to this Cab, they also produce a port-style dessert wine.

The Wine

The grapes used to produce this wine are estate-grown biodynamically farmed, organic grapes grown at elevations up to 2,200 feet.

This is a great Cab! What stood out for me was how well-balanced it was.  Initially, when I realized it was from Lake County, I expected  it to be priced lower.  However, this is a Cab that can hold its own with anything produced in Napa in my book, and is a good value when I think about Napa Valley Cabs that go for 2-3x, the price of this one.  It’s drinking beautifully now, but will easily age another 7-10 years. Highly Recommended

My tasting notes follow:

Dark nearly opaque carmine color with beguiling dark fruits, cedar wood, cacao, and a hint of floral aromas. On the palate it’s medium-bodied, round, elegant, vibrant and persistent with black cherry, cassis, vanilla spice and a hint of cacao. Medium long finish.  – 91pts

Details:

Alcohol: 14.1% alcohol.

Closure: Cork closure.

AVA:  California> North Coast> Red Hills Lake County

Varietal(s): 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Merlot

Cooperage: 18 months in 50% new French oak; 50% 2-yr old French Oak

Retail: $65

Cases produced: 1,150

Media Sample

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