During our recent trip to Sonoma, we had the pleasure of visiting Hamel Family Vineyards, a notable winery that recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. The estate encompasses four distinct properties, including a mountainous estate and three valley floor estates totaling 33 acres of vines, some of which are 40 years old. The meticulously maintained grounds and elegant tasting room provided a captivating ambiance for our visit.
We conducted a comprehensive tasting of their wines, evaluating each one and rating them all a very esteemed rating of 95 points and above.
The wines were expertly paired with a delectable Duck Confit Riette and crackers, enhancing the overall sensory experience. We eagerly anticipate the arrival of our shipment in November, as we look forward to savoring these wines once again.
My tasting notes and reviews are as follows:
2022 Hamel Family Sauvignon Blanc
Tasting Notes: Lemon, grapefruit, mineral, Saline, green apple, honey, tropical and hay
Characteristics: 25% Semillon and 75% Sauvignon Blanc. Clean and crisp with a slight oaked and buttery quality, not typical of most Sauvignon Blancs but it was absolutely delicious
My Rating: 4.8 / 98 points
2019 Hamel Family Isthmus Red
Tasting Notes: Oak, cherry, leather, black and blue fruit, vanilla, violet, stone and earthy notes Characteristics: Bordeaux Style Red Blend, 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. Rich, bold, balanced, dry, with a silky smooth finish
My Rating: 4.6 / 96 points
2018 Hamel Family Ranch
Tasting Notes: Red and dark fruit, tobacco, earthy, smoke, oak, cassis, vanilla and chocolate
Characteristics: 87% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Cabernet Franc. Dry, tannic, rich, bold, layered and complex
My Rating: 4.5 / 95 points
2018 Hamel Family Nuns Canyon Vineyard
Tasting Notes: Deep, dark, ruby red, black, and blue fruit, earthy, leather, floral, mineral, stone, cedar and spice
Characteristics: 76% Cabernet Sauvignon and 24% Cabernet Franc. Nice Bordeaux Blend that drinks light yet is full bodied
My Rating: 4.7 / 97 points
2017 Hamel Family Pamelita Reserve
Tasting Notes: Brown sugar, Dr, Pepper, cherry, blackberry
Characteristics: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Rich and layered, dark fruit forward, perfumed with spice, rounded out with the brightness of red fruit notes
My Rating: 4.9 / 99 points
2019 Hamel Family Pamelita Reserve
Tasting Notes: Dark fruit, cassis, chocolate, oak, vanilla, earthy, spice and fig
Characteristics: Lovely vintage, full bodied with a velvety long and smooth finish
My Rating: 4.8 / 98 points
2021 Hamel Family Zinfandel
Tasting Notes: Blackberry, fig, oak, mocha, leather, pepper and vanilla
Characteristics: A blend of 78% Zinfandel, 11% Syrah, 8% Petit Syrah and 3% Grenache. Smooth and silky with a light and beautiful finish
My Rating: 4.6 / 96 points
2020 Hamel Family Armor Plate Vineyard
Zinfandel
Tasting Notes: Blackberry, black cherry, tobacco, oak, leather, subtle red fruit
Characteristics: 100% Zinfandel. Enjoyed lightly chilled. Big, bold and beautiful with a smooth and balanced texture and lasting finish
My Rating: 4.7 / 97 points
