“Seamless, luscious, and broad…” – TTP

Oh my, Ops… Flagship Hamel Cabernet blend with 95 points & 60% off in the house! At $30 this is the definition of a hidden gem, boasting world-class winemaking, astounding terroir, and a grand vision to back it. Read on for the details and check your pulse if you aren’t tempted to get a few by the end.

The Hamel estate sits on Moon Mountain and is blessed with ancient volcanic soil, making each wine elegant in its complexity. This District has its own mystique. One of the newer AVAs on the block, it has been official since 2013 but is considered one of the oldest and most well-respected terroirs.

As the crow flies, Monte Rosso and Napa’s Mount Veeder are just to its East. Elevations reach 2,200 feet with ample sun exposure to cooling marine influences from the Pacific Ocean and San Pablo Bay, which bring a perfect balance for growing deep, complex, and simply magical wines.

We are not the only fans either. Vinous says “… the Moon Mountain District is one of the most exciting emerging appellations in California.” And Decanter said, “Sonoma County’s best kept secret: Moon Mountain District … a land of supreme beauty that produces some of the finest wines in Sonoma County.”

Speaking of dirt, it should come as no surprise that Hamel works with Dr. Terroir.

Per a San Francisco Chronicle article from just a couple of weeks ago, Pedro Parra “has revolutionized how Hamel understands his vineyards. Parra, a sought-after “terroir consultant” who’s known in wine circles as “Dr. Terroir,” has become the wine world’s most famous soil and geology expert. He helps winegrowers in several continents hone their approach to planting, farming, and winemaking.”

Crucially, they add: “More wineries are clamoring for Parra’s help than can receive it: He has whittled his client list to 15, down from 30 a decade ago. The roster spans Italy, France, Argentina, Spain and Australia, including illustrious names like Jean-Marc Roulot, Comte Liger-Belair, Biondi Santi, Comando G and Zuccardi.”

He has two US clients, Rose and Arrow Estate in Oregon, and Hamel Family Wines in California.”

Dr. Terroir’s magic gets translated to the bottle by the family and their associate winemaker, Maura Kinsella who was last seen at Eisele Vineyard after getting her master’s degree in Winemaking and Viticulture at the University of Bordeaux and cutting her teeth at Château Palmer and J.P. Moueix of Château Pétrus and Dominus fame. In other words, the hard work in the vineyards is in great hands!

The wine? First, think fresh blackberry pie and sweet soil aromas that fill your nose. Then move into Bing cherries, cassis, blueberries, cigar box, and granite rivers run on the palate. Then wraps it all up with an impeccably balanced expression of juicy fruit, exotic spice, deep minerality, structure, and bright acidity.

Aah… all that beauty and micro production means not a lot to go around!

95 Points – The Tasting Panel “From the western slopes of the Mayacamas, volcanic soils of rhyolitic colluvium and fractured basalt play an integral role in shaping the character of this estate blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon and 34% Merlot. Seamless, luscious, and broad, with suede tannins capturing ripe red cherry and cinnamon tea. A dusty cocoa-plum profile exudes pulchritude and charm.”