Wine Reviews & Awards
2017 Block Three Cabernet Sauvignon / 93 points / Wine Enthusiast
Excellent fruit concentration and generous oak shadings make this full-bodied, layered wine a winner. Black cherries and blackberries blend with subtle cinnamon, cedar and vanilla notes on a mouth-filling, moderately tannic texture. Full Review
2017 Block Three Cabernet / 94 points / Tasting Panel
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… Full Review
2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Block Three / 92 Pts / International Wine Review
More elegant than blockbuster, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is our favorite of the three vintages we tasted. The bouquet is redolent of dark cassis complemented by notes of earth and underbrush. There’s a lovely, silky texture to the mouthfilling palate and nice integration of blackberry fruit and toasted oak. The tannins are still youthful but… Full Review
2016 Block Three Cabernet Sauvignon / Vinography
Very dark garnet in color, this wine smells of black cherry and cassis. In the mouth, rich black cherry flavors have a decent lift thanks to good acidity, and hints of cola and tobacco as the wine finishes under a gauzy blanket of tannins. Dark and rich and thankfully not marred with excessive oak treatment. Full Review
2016 Block Three Cabernet Sauvignon / 94 points / Tasting Panel
From the estate’s 18-acre biodynamic mountain vineyard at 2,00o feet elevation, we are constantly in awe of the dynamism of these wines. Starting with rocky, red volcanic soils and aged for 25 months in French oak, this small production red (95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot) offers up violets and iron on the nose.… Full Review
2016 Block Three Cabernet / 93 points / Wine Enthusiast
This impressive and well-balanced wine is concentrated in a delicious black-fruit flavor, with a softly tannic, velvety texture that’s seductive. Layers of pure blueberry, black cherry and dark chocolate are wrapped in a creamy mouthfeel. Full Review
2016 Block Three /96 Pts / WineReviewOnline
His 2016 Block Three is yet another stunning Cab from Mitch, on a par with more famous wineries in neighboring Napa. This vintage is rich and dense, with aromas of blackberry and spice, a note of graphite and beautifully integrated tannins. A Platinum Award winner at the 2020 Winemaker Challenge International Wine Competition. Full Review
2016 Block Three / 94 Pts / Tasting Panel
From the estate’s 18-acre biodynamic mountain vineyard at 2,00o feet elevation, we are constantly in awe of the dynamism of these wines. Starting with rocky, red volcanic soils and aged for 25 months in French oak, this small production red (95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot) offers up violets and iron on the nose.… Full Review
2016 Block Three / 93 Pts / Cellar Selection / Wine Enthusiast
This impressive and well-balanced wine is concentrated in a delicious black-fruit flavor, with a softly tannic, velvety texture that’s seductive. Layers of pure blueberry, black cherry and dark chocolate are wrapped in a creamy mouthfeel. Full Review
2019 Cabernet Sauvignon / Isaac Baker
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. Full Review
2019 Cabernet Sauvignon / 92 Points / The Wine Guys
Notes of blackberries, savory herbs, red plum, baking spice, cedar, leather, underbrush, cocoa, oak and licorice. Slight tartness on the palate, more of a medium bodied mouthfeel to it despite its 14% ABV. Medium plus acidity, big tannins, slightly herbaceous finish. Stayed very consistent across 3 days while picking up a very attractive mint and savory herb note near the end, this wine is built to last so no rush to consume. Full Review
2017 Cabernet Sauvignon / California Wines & Wineries
The wine on the eyes was a deep purple and red brick in color with a medium viscosity. On the nose aromas waft into the olfactory senses bringing raspberries, blackberries and floral aromatics. On the palate, it opens up to a juicy fruit assortment of black cherry and hint of pipe tobacco. The finish is medium, but intriguing are the soft and rounded tannins for what is smelled as a big bold red wine. Full Review
2017 Cabernet Sauvignon / 92 points / Wine Enthusiast
This full-bodied wine brings together flavors of black cherry and black olive, with substantial spiciness from oak and moderate tannins for a lip-smacking texture. Hints of vanilla, cedar and clove accompany the black fruit notes, adding complexity and interest. Full Review
2016 Cabernet / 92 points / International Wine Review
More elegant than blockbuster, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is an excellent wine. The bouquet is redolent of dark cassis complemented by notes of earth and underbrush. There’s a lovely, silky texture to the mouth filling palate and nice integration of blackberry fruit and toasted oak. The tannins are still youthful but ripe. A wine that will only improve with a couple of years bottle age. Full Review
2015 Cabernet Sauvignon / Nittany Epicurean
The wine showed a dark ruby almost opaque color. Blackberry, raspberry preserves, cassis, licorice, vanilla, oak and whiffs of eucalyptus all arrived on the nose. Black cherry, raspberry, vanilla, cassis, licorice, oak and eucalyptus followed on a palate teeming with black cherry. The wine was full-bodied and exhibited good length along with moderate tannins. This wine would be an ideal pair for a seared dry-aged New York strip steak. Full Review
2019 Cabernet Franc / Isaac Baker
Deep purple color. The nose sports mulled cherries and deep currant fruit, with a spicy mix of anise, black pepper, tar, leather and espresso. Full but fresh, this shows solid grip but smooth edges to the tannins and moderate acidity. The fig paste and cranberry relish fruit is delicious, and it’s backed up with tar,… Read More
2019 Cabernet Franc / 94 points / Wine Enthusiast
Absolutely lush and mouthcoating, this super-concentrated and deeply colored wine made with organic grapes overflows with blueberries, black currants and dark chocolate. Its abundant tannins are velvety, warmly wrapping up the rich fruit and spice flavors. Read More
2019 Cabernet Franc / 92 points / The Wine Guys
Notes of blueberry, red cherry, oak spice, plum, cocoa, slight stem and savory herb. The fruit is rich on the palate with a good amount of oak spice and a hint of vanilla notes. Nice lift on the back palate with some brighter, tart red fruit and acidity. Tannins are present but rather easy going.… Read More
2017 Cabernet Franc / Nittany Epicurean
The wine showed a dark garnet color. Black cherry, raspberry, vanilla, licorice, blackberry and oak could each be found on the nose. Black cherry, raspberry and vanilla were easily discernible on the palate followed by nuanced notes of currant, eucalyptus, licorice and oak. The wine was full-bodied and exhibited great length along with soft tannins.… Read More
2017 Cabernet Franc / 95 points / Tasting Panel
The winery’s first release of this variety shows remarkable success in bringing out the best of its nature. Crushed stone and dried violets merge with a blackberry chocolate wash. Farmed with Biodynamic certification “closed system” on their 180-acre mountain estate. Slick and opulent. Read More
2017 Cabernet Franc / 93 Points / Wine Enthusiast
Opulent vanilla and milk-chocolate aromas lead to a firm, moderately tannic palate and concentrated blueberry and dark chocolate flavors in this full-bodied wine. Delicious now, it should be even more complex after 2024. Read More
2019 Petite Sirah / Isaac Baker
Deep purple color. The nose shows a nice mix of tangy plums and blueberries, with spicy pepper, anise, some coffee, toffee and mocha. Nice grip on the palate but the tannins have these suave edges and the acidity is really nice, balancing out the deep plum and currant fruit. Notes of black olive, tar, mocha,… Full Review
2017 Petite Sirah / The Syrah Queen
This is a fantastic Petite Sirah from Lake County. Nearly oxblood in color, aromas of ripe blackberry and nutmeg give way to nuanced flavor profile. Notes of deep, dark chocolate, raspberry and spice give way to rich, velvety tannins. Pair with grilled steak with peppercorn sauce or chocolate souffle. Full Review
2017 Petite Sirah / Nittany Epicurean
The wine showed a dark garnet color. Black cherry, raspberry, cassis, vanilla, plum and oak all arrived on the nose. Black cherry, raspberry preserves, plum, vanilla, blackberry and oak followed on the palate where the black cherry notes stole the show. The wine was full-bodied and exhibited great length along with soft tannins. This elegant… Full Review
2017 Petite Sirah / 94 Points / Wine Enthusiast
Seductive oak-spice aromas and a rich but gentle palate make this full-bodied wine compelling and delicious. Cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg and cigar-box scents lead to ripe blueberry and mocha flavors and relatively soft tannins. Full Review
2016 Petite Sirah / 94 Pts / Tasting Panel
Lake County’s rocky red volcanic soil, the 18-acre estate mountain biodynamically farmed vineyard’s high elevation up to 2,200 feet, results in a distinctively elegant expression of this teeth-clutching variety. Aromas of boysenberry, dark chocolate and brush lead to a finely grained texture with notes of dusted chocolate mint, violets and a sinewy, gliding finish of… Full Review
2015 Petite Sirah / Nittany Epicurean
The wine showed a dark ruby color. Black cherry, raspberry preserves, vanilla, licorice and oak could each be found on the nose. Cherry cola, raspberry preserves, vanilla, licorice, oak and hints of mocha followed on the palate where the robust cola notes set the tone for complexity. The wine was full-bodied and exhibited great length… Full Review
2015 Petite Sirah / 94 Pts / Wine Review Online
A sturdy but approachable Petite Sirah that is more than worthy of your cellar. Blackberry, bold wood spice, firm grip and a long finish where the fruit shines through – it’s a classic tale that fans of the grape will recognize. Bravo! A Platinum Award winner at the 2020 Winemaker Challenge International Wine Competition. Full Review
2015 Petite Sirah / 94 Pts / James Melendez
2015 Petite Sirah / 94 Pts / James MelendezListen to James The Wine Guy’s reviews of our wines Full Review
2015 Petite Sirah / 90 Pts / International Wine Review
The Petite Sirah offers lively, fresh aromas and flavors of spicy boysenberry, black cherry and herbs. It’s silky on the attack with a chewy density on a fruit driven, richly flavored palate. Finishes with firm, round but somewhat dry tannins. Full Review
2014 Petite Sirah / 92 Points / Wine Enthusiast
This full-bodied and impressive wine matches the intense tannins of the variety with equally intense fruit flavors for good balance on a very big frame. Bright blueberry and blackberry aromas lead to effusive black-fruit and dried fruit flavors, accented by dark chocolate. Full Review
2019 Petite Verdot “Beautifully balanced”
This Petite Verdot has a very fragrant nose with macerated black cherries and crème de cassis enveloped in a veneer of creamy oak that does not impede the fruit. The palate is full-bodied with a salacious dark, creamy cassis and chocolate-tinged fruit on the entry. It is beautifully balanced, with a long, sensual finish that… Full. Review
2019 Petit Verdot / Isaac Baker
Dark purple color. A deep core of roasted figs, plum sauce, along with charcoal, graphite, tilled soil, coffee grounds, violets – needs air to coax out the depths. The palate shows a solid core of roasted figs and currant paste, grippy tannins, moderate acidity, impressive balance and complexity. Cool mix of spicy and refreshing elements,… Full. Review
2019 Petit Verdot / 92 Points / Oded Cohen
Nicely balanced with a nice mouthfeel and a teeth staining color. The mix of black and red fruits is very interesting. Tangy and rich. Good right out of the bottle and better with airtime. Drinking very nicely now, and will continue to age in the next 5 to 7 years. Full. Review
2017 Petit Verdot / Nittany Epicurean
The wine showed a dark ruby color. Blackberry, raspberry preserves, cherry, plum and oak all arrived on the deep and complex nose. Black cherry, blackberry, raspberry, mocha, dark chocolate, licorice and oak followed on the palate where the black cherry was the dominant theme. The wine was full-bodied and exhibited good length along with soft… Full. Review
2017 Petit Verdot / 95 points / Tasting Panel
Silky, floral, and gloriously appointed with violet-flavored licorice. There’s an earthy side to this opaque, black-red powerhouse, sweetened and gentled by a core of dark chocolate. Expressive as all get out. Full. Review
2019 Sparkling Rose / Wine Enthusiast
This fun and refreshing light-pink wine offers effusive red-cherry and pistachio aromas and tutti-frutti flavors that seem to defy its apparently bone-dry balance. Full Review
2019 Sparkling Rose / WeinNotes
I am beyond thrilled to have explored something new, and I enjoy the heck out of it! On the nose and mid-palate, it is super light and floral. The finish leaves classic signs of a young cab with a pleasant tannin structure. Full Review
2019 Sparkling Rose / 93 Points / James Melendez
James Melendez shares his thoughts on his Vlog about our Sparkling Rosé Full Review
2014 Latigo / 94 Pts / Wine Review Online
Viscous, fruity, hedonistic and just immensely enjoyable, this red late harvest wine is exactly what you want in a sweet dessert, namely, pleasure. A Platinum Award winner at the 2020 Critics Challenge International Wine & Spirits Competition. Read Mor
2014 Latigo / 93 Pts / Wine Enthusiast
This beautiful Port-style dessert wine offers tempting, concentrated black-fruit flavors accented by flower and orange-peel notes. It is quite sweet and full in weight, feeling smooth and just a touch tannic in texture. Best through 2030. Read Mor
2013 Latigo / 92 points / International Wine Review
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. Read Mor
Awards from the International Women’s Wine & Spirits Competition
We were honored to receive a number of gold medals and high scores at the International Women’s Wine & Spirits Competition: 2019 Petit Verdot Best of Class 92 points 2019 Petit Verdot Gold 92 points 2019 Cabernet Franc Gold 92 points 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Gold 90 points 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Block Three Gold 91 points
The platinum and gold awards are flowing
We are honored to have received a platinum and three gold medals from the 2020 Critics Challenge International Wine & Spirits Competition.
Platinum Award winners at The 2020 Winemaker Challenge International Wine Competition
2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Block Three 2016 96 points Winemaker Mitch Hawkins is currently producing some of the finest Cabernet Sauvignon ever…
Platinum Award winners at The 2020 Winemaker Challenge International Wine Competition
Winemaker Mitch Hawkins is currently producing some of the finest Cabernet Sauvignon ever made in Lake County, in the hills northeast of the Napa Valley.