John Hawley started his winery in 1996 after spending 20 years making wines in some of the more influential wineries in California. John was founding winemaker for small winery you may have heard of called Clos du Bois. He then spent 10 years as Chief Winemaker for another winery that a few people may have heard of as well…Kendall Jackson. In 1996, John built his winery on Bradford Mountain overlooking Dry Creek Valley. Today, John and sons Paul and Austin make some fantastic wines here. The grapes grow in rocky, well drained soil, which provides just enough ‘stress’ on the vines to produce intense, concentrated fruit.
The merlot is a dark ruby color. On the nose, there is cedar, tobacco, chocolate and a touch of earth, with some berries buried in the dirt. This wine has excellent mouthfeel. The firm but ‘effective’ tannins complement the structure of the wine. This wine is well enough balanced that no one flavor jumps out. There are occaisional hints of tart cherry, and a nice long finish.
The wine is 78% merlot, 14% cabernet franc, and 8% cabernet sauvignon. After spending 24 months in French oak, they bottled 250 cases.
Rating: Love It!++
Price: $40
Note: Assistant Winemaker Austin Hawley will be at Garland Wines for our warehouse sale March 22-24th. Austin will be pouring the new releases here before they are tasted anywhere outside the winery. Thursday and Friday, the times are 5pm to 9pm. Saturday will be 11am to 5pm. Come on out and see him. You should ask him about his reclaimed wine barrel furniture, which you can see here. Come on out and see us!
Have a great Wednesday!
I have enjoyed great health at a great age because everyday since I can remember I have consumed a bottle of wine except when I have not felt well. Then I have consumed two bottles. – Bishop of Seville
Dave
Wine for Real People 
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