Background

The story begins more than 40 years ago in the hills of Monterey County, where the Hahn family founded Smith & Hook on a converted horse & cattle ranch, launching a decades-long exploration of Central Coast Cabernet Sauvignon. As Monterey’s fledgling wine industry started to take shape, Smith & Hook began to explore new Cabernet Sauvignon—starting in neighbouring Paso Robles—discovering along the way a team of strong, like-minded growers in the warmer pockets of California’s craggy coastline. As the years passed, the Smith & Hook style emerged: robust, richly layered Cabernet-based reds. Today, Smith & Hook wines embrace the unfettered spirit of the Central Coast, layering together fruit from five distinct Central Coast appellations: Arroyo Seco, Paso Robles, San Antonio Valley, Hames Valley & San Benito County.

Tasting notes

Vibrant aromas of dark fruit and black currant with hints of sweet spice and toasty oak. Full bodied and full of flavour with a round viscous mouthfeel backed with concentrated tannic structure carry through to a smooth finish

Winemaking

The winemaking process involves crushing and fermenting the grapes in small batches, then aging the wine in French oak barrels for 18 months.

Food pairings

The robust flavours of this wine are a great complement to roasted duck breast, beef tenderloin or short ribs

Awards

92 points, Wine Enthusiast