Hope & Grace
Napa Valley Malbec
Napa Valley, California, USA
If you haven't had one of Charles Hendrick's Malbec's, you should. For many, I am confident that if you didn't think much of 100% Malbec's, Charles Malbec's from Hope & Grace and James Cole 2014 and prior would change all your apprehensions about Malbec. They drink well young and better yet with some bottle age. I've tasted 07-13 at the same tasting and none have disappointed. Although, those that have had time to bloom in the bottle have surpassed the younger vintages. They are soft, elegant with ripe fruits, mocha chocolate powder, red fresh roses, liquid violets, light earth, beautiful acidity with a well polished finish. Photos of their tasting room in the center town of Yountville, vineyard grapes and one of my favorite paintings in their tasting room. There is another high above their tasting bar that is even better than the one in this photo. I'd quote what's in the painting but I might not get it exactly correct. It's something to the effect of "Time is the Greatest Teacher but unfortunately it consumes/kills all it's Pupils."
If you haven't had one of Charles Hendrick's Malbec's, you should. For many, I am confident that if you didn't think much of 100% Malbec's, Charles Malbec's from Hope & Grace and James Cole 2014 and prior would change all your apprehensions about Malbec. They drink well young and better yet with some bottle age. I've tasted 07-13 at the same tasting and none have disappointed. Although, those that have had time to bloom in the bottle have surpassed the younger vintages. They are soft, elegant with ripe fruits, mocha chocolate powder, red fresh roses, liquid violets, light earth, beautiful acidity with a well polished finish. Photos of their tasting room in the center town of Yountville, vineyard grapes and one of my favorite paintings in their tasting room. There is another high above their tasting bar that is even better than the one in this photo. I'd quote what's in the painting but I might not get it exactly correct. It's something to the effect of "Time is the Greatest Teacher but unfortunately it consumes/kills all it's Pupils."
May 21st, 2017
Now that this has sat a bit longer it’s improved over the past couple months. I knew I was opening too soon upon arrival last time🤷🏼♂️,
Is it just me or has anyone else got black licorice on the nose?🤔
Now that this has sat a bit longer it’s improved over the past couple months. I knew I was opening too soon upon arrival last time🤷🏼♂️,
Is it just me or has anyone else got black licorice on the nose?🤔
Great in between bottle, old Bordeaux, this then some new Napa Cabernet
Great in between bottle, old Bordeaux, this then some new Napa Cabernet
Jul 23rd, 2022
This wine is “sneaky “ so easy to drink all night. Should have bought more.
Paired well with a prime ribeye.
This wine is “sneaky “ so easy to drink all night. Should have bought more.
Paired well with a prime ribeye.
Terrific balance. Smokey sweet dried prunes. Perfect match for a giant smoked beef rib.
Terrific balance. Smokey sweet dried prunes. Perfect match for a giant smoked beef rib.
Oct 25th, 2020
Great job from Charles Hendricks. Dark fruit and back end spice. Smooth and sultry with toasted oak and vanilla. Plush and lush.
Great job from Charles Hendricks. Dark fruit and back end spice. Smooth and sultry with toasted oak and vanilla. Plush and lush.
May 3rd, 2020High end blueberry chocolate bar. Awesome stuff.
High end blueberry chocolate bar. Awesome stuff.
Oct 21st, 2019
Deep ruby, ripe fruits takes you to a wonderful weekend feeling. Medium body, pair with solid meal
Deep ruby, ripe fruits takes you to a wonderful weekend feeling. Medium body, pair with solid meal
Jan 27th, 2019This guy doesn’t miss, and I love his offbeat varietals. This is chocolaty smooth charred raspberries. Nice medium body. Ready after a double decant and 20 minutes.
This guy doesn’t miss, and I love his offbeat varietals. This is chocolaty smooth charred raspberries. Nice medium body. Ready after a double decant and 20 minutes.
Sep 10th, 2018This guy doesn’t miss, and I love his offbeat varietals. This is chocolaty smooth charred raspberries. Nice medium body. Ready after a double decant and 20 minutes.
This guy doesn’t miss, and I love his offbeat varietals. This is chocolaty smooth charred raspberries. Nice medium body. Ready after a double decant and 20 minutes.
Sep 9th, 2018