OUR RISK : YOUR REWARD
Discover the Untamed Spirit of Napa and Sonoma
The Art of Risk in Winemaking
We believe every place holds unique qualities waiting to be uncovered. At Hard Six Cellars, we take the risk of selecting remote vineyards and tending them with minimal intervention. It's a challenging approach, but the reward we share with you are wines that are the fullest expression of fruit and land.
Appellation:
Napa Valley
Growing season notes:
Moderate to cooler temperatures in early spring resulted in a delayed start followed by showers during bloom in May. However, temperatures were moderate from June through August which allowed the vines to balance their growth. By early August, it was clear that 2019 would be a vintage offering early approachability and balance. We handpicked on September 16.
Winemaking notes:
The 2019 Seated Cloud was whole-cluster-pressed, fermentation was initiated in the tank and then barreled down to 100% neutral French oak for continued fermentation and aging. We continued using the process of batonnage, which produces a weightier, more age-worthy Sauvignon Blanc. 145 cases produced.
Tasting notes:
Wine Spectator 89 points
“Aromatic and distinctive, with honeysuckle, beeswax and a touch of litsea oil complementing a core of ripe melon, peach and dried apricot. Medium-bodied, with spices and hints of lanolin lingering on the finish." — MW
Current Releases
Appellation:
Fort Ross-Seaview, Sonoma Coast
Growing season notes:
While the broader 2022 Sonoma Coast growing season was a bit challenging, with early Spring frost and intense late- summer heat spikes, our King Ridge Road location maintained cool, consistent weather overall, perfectly suited to the ripening of our thicker- skinned Syrah varietal. Hand-picked on September 28th, a lower-yielding harvest resulted in highly concentrated, intense fruit.
Winemaking notes:
Our 2022 Syrah went through 100% whole-cluster fermentation. We continued to use the classic French pigeage a pied (foot-tread) method to submerge the must into the wine during primary fermentation of the whole cluster berries. The juice was barreled down to lightly used French barrels. It was aged for 18 months in barrel and laid down for another 24 months to mature. 72 cases produced.
Tasting notes:
In a word, Dynamic! A heavily saturated almandine garnet hue, aromatic nutmeg spice and earthiness on the nose, leading to blackberry, black tea, thyme and lingering soft black pepper on the palate. Perfectly balanced with fresh acidity and round, slightly tense tannins. Some hints of shale or volcanic stone. Perfectly suggested pairings would include a aged gouda, mushroom terrine, spicy charcuterie or a flavorful ribeye. Decant for three hours or enjoy over a long dinner as it evolves.
Appellation:
Diamond Mountain, Napa Valley
Growing season notes:
Moderate to cooler temperatures in early spring resulted in a delayed start followed by showers during bloom in May. However, temperatures were moderate from June through August which allowed the vines to balance their growth. By early August, it was clear that 2019 would be a vintage offering early approachability and balance. We handpicked on September 16.
Winemaking notes:
After the pick, the fruit was hand-sorted and then fermented in a stainless tank. Post-primary fermentation it was barreled down to 20% new and 80% two-year-old French oak barrels to complete malolactic fermentation. It was aged 20 months in barrel, and laid down for another 30 months to mature. 113 cases produced.
Tasting notes:
Wine Spectator 93 Points
“ Nicely packed, with vivid red and black currant fruit that ripples with tension, all while being carried along by a sleek iron note. Boasts heavy sassafras, anise, violet and briar notes as well. Reveals racy, deep embedded acidity that course through and brings you back for more.”-JM
Minimal Intervention, Maximum Expression
Our winemaking continues our farming philosophy: nothing added, nothing taken away. We let each season and each site make its mark, resulting in wines that truly speak of their origin.
