The 2013 vintage was a repeat performance for 2012 for California winemakers, sunny days with good fruit and lots of it. Very little rain is a cause for concern, but closely monitored irrigation systems kept the vines healthy.
As was the case in 2012, the excellent weather in 2013 allowed for an extended and orderly harvest, starting with the white wine grapes and winding up with the reds. Just now, some of the classic red wines are starting to tell their tales with initial releases.
As a result, many of 2013's red wines that are coming in early are proving to be very interesting. One of these, now available for a sneak-peek at the grocery store, is Hawkstone's "Barney's Heritage Cuvee".
Now being offered on sale at Phoenix area Fry's for $16.99, this is an excellent example of a softer Cabernet, but still with plenty of character to enjoy. This is a fun wine for those who like to experiment with flavors but shy away from the really big "bad boy reds".
With a bouquet of fresh plum and currants, Barney's presents a much more interesting introduction than many others in this price range. In fact, if it stopped at the bouquet, big red wine drinkers would be duly impressed.
But in the body there is a balanced softness that speaks more of the Merlots from the 2009 vintage. With a nicely done buttery finish containing a tad of pepper, this continues to be a light red meat partner that any Bordeaux lover would appreciate.
Interesting wines at sale price levels like this are always worth a stocking up on, especially if the 2013 vintage ends up being as good as they've been billed. So far, it's been fun, but the jury is far from completing their deliberations on 2013.