Wines Mt. Veeder Nickel & Nickel - Hawks Cradle Vineyard - 2022

Viniou Reviews

Nickel & Nickel's Hawks Cradle Vineyard 2022, from the prestigious Mt. Veeder AVA in California, is an expressive red wine that proudly showcases its unique hillside terroir. This single-vineyard cuvée typically highlights Cabernet Sauvignon at its core, complemented by other Bordeaux varietals such as Merlot, Cabernet Franc, or Petit Verdot, depending on the vintage style. The 2022 rendition benefits from a relatively mild and even growing season, allowing for slow ripening and optimal development of tannins and aromatics. Vinification focuses on capturing purity and depth, with careful selection of grapes and aging in high-quality French oak barrels to enhance structure and complexity without overwhelming the fruit.

Mt. Veeder is one of Napa Valley’s most distinctive subregions, located on the rugged slopes of the Mayacamas Mountains. The region is known for its cooler temperatures, higher elevation, and complex volcanic soils, which provide excellent drainage and restrict vines, resulting in lower yields but intensifying flavor concentration and minerality. The history of Mt. Veeder is rich with pioneering spirit, with vineyards dating back to the 19th century. Today, it is celebrated for producing robust yet elegant wines with considerable aging potential, thanks to firm tannin structures and vibrant acidity rarely found elsewhere in Napa.

This 2022 Hawks Cradle red pairs beautifully with robust dishes that echo both the wine’s structural integrity and its Californian roots. Consider serving it alongside dry-aged ribeye with rosemary potatoes, barbecued short ribs with a rich glaze, or a wild mushroom risotto with aged Parmesan. For a regional touch, grilled tri-tip or a wood-fired pizza with smoked meats and local cheeses would bring out the earthy dark fruit and spice notes of the wine.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine at 16-18°C. Decanting for about an hour before tasting will help soften its youthful tannins and reveal the full range of aromatic complexity. This impressive Mt. Veeder red promises rewarding experiences now and for several years to come.