93% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Petite Sirah from Central Coast, California.
SRP of $25 and available for as low as $16.99. 4,000 cases produced. The wine was aged in 65% new French oak.
From the winery:
"The spectacular 2012 vintage produced fruit with incredible intensity throughout the Central Coast. Sourcing grapes from vineyards in San Antonio Valley, Arroyo Seco and Paso Robles, this vintage of Smith & Hook is multilayered and balanced blend from these different regions.
This wine pairs a vibrant purple color with expressive aromas of blackberries and cassis. Richly textured on the palate, this wine’s robust tannins provide a frame for black cherry flavors and spicy notes of vanilla and cloves.
The broad mouthfeel and robust flavors are the perfect complement to hearty beef or game dishes or a gourmet bacon cheeseburger.
14.8% Alcohol"
Smith & Hook, which is focused solely on producing Cabernet Sauvignon, is an upscale label from one of our favorite wineries, Hahn Family Wines. This is the first wine we've reviewed from Smith & Hook, but we've absolutely loved what we've tasted from Hahn in the past. Wines like theirCalifornia Pinot Noir, which we called a "Brilliant Bargain" and their excellent Central Coast Meritage. Let's see how this upscale Cab measures up, shall we?
The 2012 Smith & Hook Central Coast Cabernet Sauvignon begins with a nicely aromatic nose of plum, black cherry, blackberry and vanilla plus a little spice and caramel. Tasting this smooth and balanced wine reveals rich blackberry jam and spicy plum as well as loads of vanilla and chocolate. This wine is just a pleasure to drink, in fact, it was so good I almost gave it a perfect 10 taste rating. It ends dry with more rich and juicy dark fruit, lingering touches of vanilla, dried herbs and tobacco. A fantastic cheeseburger wine for sure!
Overall Rating: 7.8
