The unusual “1-3-8” designation refers to one wine from three grape varieties grown in Block #8, which makes this a field blend as well as a wine of place. Sourced from the highest elevation block, the wine is 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, and 30% Cabernet Franc. All three were harvested on October 30th and co-fermented, which is highly unusual these days. The wine was aged 20 months in 64% new French oak. Once poured, it is reticent but gradually opens over time to display lovely black fruit, spice herbs and a hint of graphite and cocoa. With longer aeration, it comes across as smooth, refined and elegant but with good acidity and light tannin holding it together. It is one of those wines that by the end of the tasting is everyone’s surprise favorite.
2-Hawk Vineyard & Winery, Rogue Valley (Oregon) 2018
By Norm Roby