by Kris Mulkey
Don’t you love it when you discover a new wine? I was recently chatting with Christian, the store manager of our San Rafael store about our favorite Cabernet’s. He told me about his new favorite Cabernet made by Hidden Ridge. “It’s as good, or better, than all the high end cabs in Napa and costs less.” he said. It’s still a little on the pricey side, but it was on sale for $49.99 when I picked up a bottle. The wine is so rich, smooth and well rounded you will wish you had a second bottle. It would also make an amazing gift.
Pair with Wild Mushroom Risotto, Enchilada’s with Mole Sauce, Braised Short Ribs, or Grilled Salmon. Find all the recipes here.
The history of Hidden Ridge Vineyard
Surrounded by gnarled oak and Manzanita forests on the south and western slopes of Spring Mountain in the Mayacamas mountain range, Hidden Ridge Vineyard is so remote it can be reached only by heavy-duty four-wheel-drive vehicles, by foot, or by helicopter. The 55-acre vineyard was developed and planted by husband and wife team Casidy Ward and Lynn Hofacket to grow stellar mountain Cabernet Sauvignon. Made by winemaking team Marco DiGiulio and Timothy Milos at Bin to Bottle in Napa, efforts in the vineyard and the cellar have produced a Cabernet Sauvignon that sings loudly—yodels, even—of its mountainous origins on slopes as steep as 55%.
The soils of Hidden Ridge are Sonoma Volcanic Shales (volcanic basalt) and sandy clay loam, with an average depth of about 20 to 25 feet before hitting the bedrock; this is a very well-drained vineyard. These soils contribute to the tannin structure of the fruit. The vineyard is planted to 54 acres of Cabernet clones 337, 4, 7, 169, and one acre of Petit Verdot. The vineyard is divided into 21 blocks in three areas, which carry the names of each section’s geological description: Ancient Slide, Twin Cinder Cone, and Uplifted River Bed.
Available in the San Rafael BevMo! Ask your the Wine Specialist in your BevMo! for recommendations. They always know the hidden gems.
RATING: 94 PTS Wine Enthusiast
