If you’ve been an Operative for some time, you know Hawk and Horse all too well…

Mostly for their legendary Lake Co. Estate Cabernets, along with their one-of-a-kind Petit Verdot-driven Napa red Sua Sponte. Those wines we just can’t seem to get enough of, as we sit back and watch cases and cases fly by day after day.

Little did we know how good their Petite Sirah was too until this jewel came along.

Two things to revisit and explain why.

First, the winemaker, Dr. Richard Peterson. Heard of him? Probably not. But you’ve heard of Screaming Eagle and Heidi Barrett. Get this - before Heidi came on board it was Dr. Peterson who led the first four vintages of Screaming Eagle into cult stardom. Then his daughter - Heidi Barrett took over. That’s not all. Richard also took André Tchelistcheff’s post at Beaulieu Vineyards, helped develop Atlas Peak Vineyards, and he presides over numerous institutions including the American Society for Enology & Viticulture, The Wine Institute, Society of Wine Educators and American Institute for Wine and Food. Oh and he wrote an award-winning autobiography “The Winemaker”. Wow!

Second, the up-and-coming Red Hills region, named for its red volcanic soils, just north of Napa, in Lake County - just about 10 miles north of Howell Mountain in fact. Here you’ll find some exceedingly high-quality Cabernet without the “Napa tax”. There’s a good reason why visionaries like Fred Schrader, Stéphane Derenoncourt, and Andy Beckstoffer have been quietly investing in land here. This gem comes from a small 18-acre Demeter Certified Biodynamic® Vineyard perched at 2,200 feet elevation.

Accolades galore - and with an irresistible Wine Spies exclusive 55% discount - how can you say no?

94 Points, Platinum – Winemaker Challenge International

92 Points – Wine Enthusiast

“Intriguing oak spices add special interest to this full-bodied and firmly tannic wine. Light aromas of wood smoke and white pepper are followed by concentrated blackberry and blueberry flavors to yield a big, rounded mouthfeel. Best through 2027.”

Double Gold – SF Chronicle Wine Competition