2019 Red Hills Lake County Rosé of Cabernet Sauvignon Sparkling Wine
By James Melendez
93 points
2019 Red Hills Lake County Rosé of Cabernet Sauvignon Sparkling Wine
By James Melendez
93 points
With 10% Petit Verdot and 5% Cab Franc added in, this 100% French oak-aged red is distinguished in its demeanor. A wave of black cherry and mocha plum are dispatched on a plush pillow. Chewy, the liquid engages with chalky, teeth-coating tannins and develops an intimacy with the palate. A valentine of plum and pomegranate is delivered on the finish.
A powerful, full-flavored red that offers abundant cherry, rose petal and iron aromas followed by densely concentrated red and black fruit flavors. It’s full-bodied, sturdily tannic and balanced by good acidity for freshness. Raspberries, minerals, toasted cedar and wild herbs. Drinkable now, but best from 2029.
Hawk And Horse Vineyards, Red Hills – Lake County (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 ($75): Quite pleasant to drink now, this Cabernet Sauvignon from…
From the winery’s biodynamic-certified estate vineyard reaching elevations as high as 2,200 feet, this is a highly aromatic red with a perfume of chocolate-covered cherry and new leather. On the palate, the grip is firm and dusty, Italian herbs, iron and taut acidity settle atop a mineral base.
It’s a richly flavored, Port-like, lightly sweet wine with good complexity and freshness. It delivers aromas and flavors that evoke dark cherries, chocolate shavings, dates and an appealing floral note. The tannins are suave, and the rich flavors linger forever on the finish. 130 g/L RS Aged 29 months in New Allier oak barriques.
Medium purple color. Deep but tart aromas of blueberry and black cherries, with complex, deep and spicy tones: tar, mocha, sage, sweet red pepper, black pepper and balsamic glaze. The palate is full but smooth and, like the others, this wine’s acidity is really nice. Tangy plums and juicy black currant fruit blends well with leather, paprika, black pepper, spicy tobacco, mint. A lot going on, and I’d like to see this in five or six years. Cab Sauv with 2% Petit Verdot, aged in 100% French oak.