viognier (sonoma county)

viognier (barrel fermented)

chardonnay

pinot noir

zinfandel

petite sirah

merlot

cabernet sauvignon

late harvest zin

2002 Hawley Cabernet Sauvignon

Vineyards

This wine is made from fruit grown on both sides of Dry Creek Valley. Hawley Vineyard (39%) on Bradford Mountain is always high in acidity and tannin structure due to the hot afternoon sun disappearing behind the mountain. Shubert Vineyard (61%) gets baked by the late afternoon sun which tends to soften the tannins and lower the acidity. The blend of the two results in a balanced wine. Both vineyards utilize vertical trellis systems and crop thin to insure quality and flavor development. Brix at harvest 26

Winemaking

The grapes were crushed and cold soaked for seven days to maximize skin extraction. Wild yeasts started the fermentation and a small inoculum of commercial yeast was added to insure the wine fermented to dryness. After fermentation the two Cabernet lots were blended and transferred to French chateau barrels for 18 months. The merlot was blended prior to bottling. Extensive oak aging has added vanilla, spice and smoky flavors. Barrel to barrel racking every three months has clarified the wine and softened the tannins.

Technical

Appellation: Dry Creek Valley
Varietal Composition: 94% Cabernet Sauvignon 6% Merlot
Harvest Dates: Sept. 16, 2002
Alcohol: 13.9% Ph: 3.63 TA: .57
Bottling Date: July 14, 2004
Cases Bottled: 504
Release Date: Aug 1, 2007

Tasting Notes

2002 was a vintage of incredibly concentrated fruit. We held back this vintage because we did not feel it was ready. This exceptional wine is starting to open up and announce incredible fruit along with other complexities that seem to evolve with every sip.

This mountain grown Cabernet is deep in color with intense fruit flavors reminiscent of black cherries, currants, and blackberries. On the palate it is rich and opulent, bursting with flavors of blackberries backed by toasty vanillin oak notes and round, chewy tannins. Though enjoyable at present, this classic wine has the structure and intensity to improve with aging over the next 10 to 15 years.

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CLICK HERE for a printable description of Hawley 2002 Cabernet.

Hawley Cabernet Sauvignon and grapes

Austin, Paul and John perform Cab tasting trials (photo by Don Wallace)

John checks barrels at Hawley Winery

"Cabernet Morning" by Dana Hawley- www.danahawley.com