Along California’s central
coast lies the renowned Monterey County appellation
and within that, the Santa Lucia Highlands, home
to the Hahn Family’s vineyard estate. Nicolaus
(“Nicky”) Hahn and his wife Gaby discovered
a love for California wines in the mid-1970's.
A two-year search led them to the breathtaking beauty
and ideal growing conditions of Monterey County
where they subsequently purchased two ranches on
which to plant vineyards and start a winery. The
wind and fog interact with solar radiation to slow
grapes' ripening, producing up to two months longer
growing season than in warmer grape growing regions.
These conditions create fruit with more varietal
intensity, flavor, depth and structure, and thus,
exceptional wines.
In German, “Hahn” means “Rooster”
and for this reason a rooster embellishes the Hahn
Estates label, honoring the Hahn Family’s
European Heritage. Their first wines, released under
the Smith & Hook label, received numerous awards
and critical acclaim.
Simth
& Hook Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
(Limited Quantity) (RV) Very pretty aromatics of cassis,
raspberry, and smoke on the nose. Layered flavors
of plum and cocoa develop into a rich palette of dark
fruits with a hint of vanilla. The tannins are substantial
but well developed and are suspended well into the
finish with a finely integrated acidity.
-Gold
Medal, 94 Points, Best of Class! - 2006 California
State Fair
