By now you probably know.

The record broke long ago. We sound like my dad on repeat telling the same stories over and over at every get together. But Hawk and Horse is the stuff of vinous lore…

So, gather round once more fellow Operatives, and let us regale you about why this stuff simply CRUSHES everything in its path.

When we first offered Hawk and Horse a few years ago, we didn’t realize it would quickly became one of, if not THE most popular Cab producer in our long history. The value proposition is off the meter, and this one, with 95 points is one of their highest rated wines EVER made.

Only the Block 3 Cab from the same vintage scored higher (96 pts). But this is drinking better right now, if you ask us. It’s “more open, fruity, and better suited for immediate enjoyment” as The Tasting Panel wrote.

And at our price, you’ll have a very tough time finding a Cab that competes with it. For anyone who knows the story, pardon us while we turn loose the background spiel:

It starts with the winemaker, Dr. Richard Peterson. Before Heidi Barrett came on board it was her dad, Dr. Peterson who led the first four vintages of Screaming Eagle into cult stardom. That’s not all. He also took André Tchelistcheff’s post at Beaulieu Vineyards while helping develop Atlas Peak Vineyards and 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, he also is the author of an award-winning autobiography “The Winemaker.”

Then you have the Red Hills AVA - a little-known (for now) appellation named for its red volcanic soils. It sits just north of Napa, in Lake County - about ten miles north of Howell Mountain in fact. Here you’ll find some exceedingly high-quality Cabernet without the “Napa tax.” There’s a reason why visionaries like Schrader, Derenoncourt, and Beckstoffer have been quietly investing in properties and sourcing fruit from this location.

Now about the wine. It’s packed, stacked and jacked, with everything you want. Black fruit galore - blackberry, black currant, dark plums. Fall spices like nutmeg and clove mingle and a hint of some kind of toasty vanilla or cookie element. It’s open, fruit-forward, and easy drinking without compromising the extra complexity, weight and depth you want in a more “serious” - and MUCH more expensive Cabernet.

And finally, we must mention the price one more time. Well over HALF OFF the $75 release price has us feeling like Raygun celebrating a gold medal. We know we don’t deserve it, but we’ll take it ALL DAY!

95 Points - The Tasting Panel *“Of the two outstanding 2021 Cabernets from Hawk and Horse, this bottling was aged in 80% new French Oak barrels rather than 100% for the “Block Three.” It is more open, fruity, and better suited to immediate enjoyment, though it is still robust, thanks in part to 10% Petit Verdot. Biodynamically grown at elevations up to 2,200 feet, it offers admirable complexity and excellent balance between flavor impact and accessibility.”

93 Points - Wine Enthusiast ”This wine is fresh, lush, with aromas of blackberry, cassis, dried herbs, florals, and toasty vanilla on the nose. The flavors on the palate are Boysenberry, brown sugar, clove, lemon zest, and a supple tannins to finish. Decant and Enjoy until 2034”