Hawk and Horse Vineyards was founded in 1999. Their first release was the 2004 vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon. They’re a hands-on family owned and operated winery that makes small lots of Cabernet Sauvignon and a dessert wine (also Cab based). Today I’ll look at their current releases.
The Hawk and Horse Vineyards 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon was produced from fruit grown in the Red Hills section of Lake County California. This fruit comes from the winery’s 18 acre vineyard which is farmed both Organically and Biodynamically. Hawk and Horse Vineyards is a mountain estate with elevations reaching 2,200 at some points. This offering is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Barrel aging was accomplished over a period of 18 months in a combination of new and two year French oak. 430 cases of this Cabernet Sauvignon were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $65.
Aromas of rose petals, bramble and black raspberries fill the nose of this 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon. Black and red cherry flavors play a significant role through the palate; black raspberry and blackberry characteristics, both fresh and dried are present as well. The long and impressive finish is marked by cranberries, sour cherries, rhubarb and earth along with dusty dark chocolate and spice. This is a well proportioned Cabernet that has firm tannins that yield with some aeration. The 2007 Cabernet from Hawk and Horse Vineyards is a beautiful wine that drinks well now and will also benefit from up to a decade of aging. If you’re drinking it today, I recommend decanting it for about 90 minutes and pairing it with something hearty for a winning combination.
The Hawk and Horse Vineyards 2007 Latigo is a Port Style wine. This fortified dessert wine was made using estate grown fruit. This wine is composed of Cabernet Sauvignon and fortified with varietal Brandy. Barrel aging occurred over 26 months in new French oak. 200 cases of this wine in 375ml splits were produced. It has a suggested retail price of $45.
Red and black raspberry jam aromas flood the nose of this 2006 Port style wine. A compote of berry flavors is present through the palate. Sweet wild strawberry flavors are of particular note. Characteristics of chocolate sauce tinged with caramel, toffee and bits of espresso emerge on the finish which has good length that leaves a lasting impression. This wine can easily serve as dessert all by itself. However it pairs beautifully with dark chocolate as well as cheesecake to name a few options.
Lake County is a California region that’s been on the climb for a number of years now. There are certain varietals that really thrive there and Cabernet Sauvignon is certainly amongst them. If you like classically styled Cabernet that you can drink now or lay down for awhile made in small boutique level quantities, this offering is for you. Latigo the dessert wine is a perfect counterpoint. Made from the same varietal grown in the same vineyard it showcases a completely different style of winemaking. Both are delicious in their own right and they are more than fairly priced for the quality they offer. These are well worth seeking out.