Hope & Grace Wines

After working with wineries including Viader and Barnett, Charles Hendricks went to St. Helena’s historic Lewelling estate when looking to make his own Cabernet Sauvignon. Originally planted in 1864 by horticulturist John Lewelling, descendants still own and operate 28 acres. Caymus, Galleron, Markham, Viader and Beaulieu Vineyards have purchased fruit from this highly regarded vineyard.

Hendricks produced 550 cases of this elegant Cabernet, and is selling it at $48 per bottle mainly out of his new tasting room in Yountville and on a mailing list. While Hendricks Wines is his business name, he bottles this as well as an expressive Sleepy Hollow Pinot Noir from the Santa Lucia Highlands, a clean, non-oaky Beard Vineyard Chardonnay from Yountville, and a Calistoga Malbec under the ‘hope & grace’ label named after his daughters.

Fairly opaque ruby and viscous, the wine has aromas of plum, cassis, tarragon, tar and cedar. Medium bodied with smooth, fine-grained tannins, the aromas are mirrored on the palate. This understated style of winemaking is refreshing. The wine speaks gently of its origin, while providing added pleasure to a simple meal of grilled Rib-Eye steaks with roasted Yukon gold potatoes.

Reviewed June 13, 2007 by Catherine Fallis.