certified organic

Hawk and Horse Vineyards 2009 Red Hills Cabernet Sauvignon

Lake County is an up and coming region getting a lot of recognition for making some great wines.  Within the larger Lake County AVA is another up and coming AVA called Red Hills.  Nestled in an area of rolling hills on the southwestern shore of Clear Lake (the largest natural lake in California), Red Hills AVA has soil made up of 90% volcanic properties, creating wonderful ground for both Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon.

I tried a wine last week from this region that was new to me.  The winery, Hawk and Horse Vineyards, is located in Lower Lake, CA and is Certified Organic and is also Demeter Certified Biodynamic.  The wine, their 2009 Red Hills Cabernet Sauvignon, is delicious!  The color is a deep garnet purple.  Aromas of black currant and tobacco rise from the glass.  On the palate are deep ripe plum, a wet wood essence, some wet earth and sweet but elegant tannins.  The finish is of white pepper.

This is a very well structured and balanced wine.  I’m totally impressed and look forward to trying more of Hawk and Horse Vineyards offerings.

You can check out their website here:  www.hawkandhorsevineyards.com

2007 Domaine de Terrebrune

My husband and I are heading to Provence this summer, so last night we popped in the movie “A Good Year” and cracked open a bottle of red from Bandol to get in the spirit.

The wine we chose was the 2007 Domaine de Terrebrune.  This winery and its vineyards are located near the village of Ollioules in the south of France.  Bandol is considered the best wine appellation in Provence, producing small amounts of white wine and some lovely dry rosés, but their red wines are what put Bandol wines “on the map”.

By law, the red wines of this appellation must be at least 50% Mourvèdre, but many winemakers use as much as 100%.  Grenache and Cinsault compliment the blend.

The 2007 Domaine de Terrebrune, a deeply colored and full-bodied wine, is 85% Mourvèdre, 10% Grenache and 5% Cinsault.  After pouring it into a decanter, I immediately poured some in a glass and swirled.  On the nose was watermelon and raspberry.  I then let it sit for about 30 minutes.  After allowing it to get some air, I found dark black cherry, earth and some wonderful fresh herbs on the nose.  The fruit and tannins were nicely balanced on the palate, and the finish was pleasant and long.  The longer this wine sat, the better it become.  At this point it definitely needs a few hours of decanting, or be sure to lay it down for a few more years.

This estate is certified organic.  They use no herbicides, pesticides or chemical fertilizers.  Domaine de Terrebrune does not use machinery in the vineyards.  Everything is done by hand.  The grape selection is even done in the vineyard, not at a sorting table.  The wines are bottled unfiltered and unfined.

I look forward to visiting Domaine de Terrebrune this summer!  I’m sure I’ll find their current vintages as exciting as this 2007.

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