Hawk Haven Wines

Sandy soils and cool ocean summer breezes create the perfect growing conditions for crafting fine artisan wines. Hawk Haven uses local and estate grown vinifera grapes in all our wines. Below is a list of the wines we currently carry. Selection varies throughout the year; check back often to see what varietals and vintages we’re offering today.

Stop by our tasting room to taste any of our award-winning wines, or call us at (609) 846-7347 or e-mail us at info@hawkhavenvineyard.com to have our wine shipped directly to your doorstep.

White Wines

American Kestrel White

82% Chardonnay, 18% Sauvignon Blanc
Aged 9 months in stainless steel (Chardonnay) and French Oak (Sauvignon Blanc)
9-14% ABV (table wine)
Bottled June 21, 2012
Produced 358 cases

This light white table wine is part of our Hawk Series wines and is named after a bird of prey known to migrate through the Outer Coastal Plain. Stainless steel fermenting enhances the bright and fragrant flavors of pineapple and lemongrass. The barrel fermented Sauvignon Blanc rounds out the finish, giving it a smooth light creamy texture. Try with crab or a light white fish.

$14

2011 Pinot Grigio

100% Pinot Grigio
Aged 9 months in stainless steel
13.1% ABV
Bottled June 27, 2012
Produced 627 cases

Our 2011 Pinot Grigio is lively with bright acidity and a long finish. The grapes were harvested at full maturity, whole cluster pressed and cold fermented over a three month period. The wine was bottled young to capture the subtle aromas. Citrus aromas with flavors of green apple and grapefruit. Pair with a seared scallop.

$19

2011 Chardonnay

100% Chardonnay
Aged 9 months in French oak
13.3% ABV
Bottled July 2012
Produced 274.5 cases

Beautiful nose. Flavors of pie spice and apple with a hint of buttery loveliness. Pair with salmon, oysters, or chicken.

$17

2011 Riesling

100% Riesling
Aged 9 months in stainless steel
13.1% ABV
Bottled June 21, 2012
Produced 510 cases

Our Riesling is semi-dry with a hint of sweetness to enhance the natural fruit flavors. Honeysuckle blossom, apricot, and mandarin orange are at the forefront. A tangy, clean finish rounds out the wine, making it a true delight. This is a great wine selection for the holidays, a definite crowd-pleaser.

$17

Red Wines

Northern Harrier Red

63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc
Aged in French oak
9-14% ABV (table wine)
Produced 979 cases

Tasting Notes: Our Northern Harrier is the third wine in our Hawk Series of wines. A Northern Harrier is a long-winged, long-tailed hawk of open grassland and marshes. This blend of three grape varietals achieves the winemaker’s goal of producing a fun, everyday red wine. A pleasant example of a Bordeaux from New Jersey. Nice balance of fruit and tannins brightened with acidity. This wine craves food! Pair with everyday meals: brick oven pizza, pasta dishes, rustic sandwiches.

$14

2010 Proprietor’s Blend

Cabernet Sauvignon, Chamborcin, Merlot
Aged in French oak
9-14% ABV (table wine)
Bottled July 2012
Produced 255 cases

Tasting Notes: The Red Table Wine blend is back! This very popular blend is a great everyday wine but will still hold up on a special occasion with a nice juicy steak. Dried cherry and blueberry. Nice fruit and tannin interplay. Long finish.

$19

2010 QUILL

41% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, 16% Petit Verdot, 16% Merlot
Aged 23 months in French oak
13.4% ABV
Bottled July 2012
Produced 223 cases

Tasting Notes: 2010 is our second vintage of this classic Bordeaux blend. Structure with grace and power. On the nose, dried leaves, flower petals of rose and violet. Mouth-rich blackberry, sweet cherry core, and a long, pretty finish of blueberry pie. Will improve for up to 20 years.

$34

2010 TALON

33% Sangiovese, 33% Merlot, 33% Syrah, 1% Awesome
Aged 23 months in French oak
13.4% ABV
Bottled July 2012
Produced 208 cases

Tasting Notes: 2010 is our third vintage of this star-studded blend. A wine that will improve for five to fifteen years. On the nose, strawberry, mango, exotic spices. Mouth-rich, long fruit-driven finish, mouth-filling yet subtle tannins. Pair this wine alongside a nice, juicy steak.

$34

2010 Merlot

100% Merlot
Aged 23 months in French oak
13.9% ABV
Bottled July 2012
Produced 130 cases

Tasting Notes: A classic Merlot. Medium-to-full bodied. Very Bordeaux in nature. Fine tannins. Cherry, rich berry, spice with an excellent balance. This wine will improve for 10 years. In addition, 47 cases of Reserve Merlot to be released in the Spring of 2013.

$30

Red-Tailed Rose

Rose of Cabernet
Aged 9 months in stainless steel
9-14% ABV (table wine)
Produced 264 cases
Bottled July 10, 2012

The second wine of our Hawk Series, our Red-Tailed Rose’s namesake can be seen soaring above our open vineyard fields, slowly turning circles on its broad, rounded wings.  Cherry and fresh berries with a bright finish, long and clean.  Pair with a long, lazy summer day.  Featured in our Sangria Sunday Rosarita.

$12

Wine Maker’s Signature Series

An experimental farmer, he takes chances and pushes the envelope. Our estate vines are his most prized asset. Those that rise to the challenge, producing what he considers worthy, earn the Signature Series label of his limited production, artisan wine collection.

2011 Gewurztraminer

100% Gewurztraminer
Aged in stainless steel
13.5% ABV
Produced 138 cases, bottled June 2012

Tasting Notes: Pronounced guh-VOORTZ-truh-MEE-nor. The first planting of Gewurztraminer at Hawk Haven was in 2008. We have been very pleased with the first two vintages of this delicious and fruity wine. The 2011 vintage has flavors of elderberry and lychee fruit with a very perfumed and flowery bouquet. Our cheese suggestion is Munster. Try with spicy cuisine.

$16

2011 Albarino

100% Albarino
Aged in stainless steel
13.5% ABV
Produced 44.5 cases, bottled July 2012

A grape varietal originating in Galicia Spain, Albarino (pronounced ahl-bah-REE-nyoh) is known for it’s distinctive aroma, light body, high acidity, and flavors of honeysuckle, lime, and vanilla. Our second vintage carries sweet aromas and flavors of peach, kiwi, and tropical fruits. Try with spicy garlic shrimp.

$17

2011 Viognier

100% Viognier
Aged 9 months in French oak
13.6% ABV
Produced 74.5 cases, bottled July 2012

Tasting Notes: Pronounced Vee-on-YAY, this varietal is known for high alcohol, low acidity, and flavors of peach, apricot, and spice. Its recent rise in popularity has challenged the long-running worldwide monopoly of Chardonnay. Aromas of fresh flowers and fruits hint at something sweeter while the flavors surprise the tongue, tending towards the dry side. Our 2011 vintage mimics a true white Rhone with its aromatic intensity. Flavors of lime, orange blossom, and kiwi. A good wine, for sure. Try with spicy Thai cuisine or chilled shellfish.

$19

2010 Petit Verdot

100% Petit Verdot
Aged 18 months in French oak
13.9% ABV
Produced 60.5 cases, bottled July 2012

Petit Verdot is known for ripening much later than other varietals, so success with it on the East Coast does not come without struggle. Generally added to blends in smaller amounts to add tannin, color, flavor, and to stiffen the mid-palate as seen in our 2010 Quill, this single varietal Petit Verdot is the pride of our wine maker. Aromas of rosewood and coffee and flavors of mocha and berries with rustic tannins. Pair with roast duck.

$40

2010 Cabernet Franc

100% Cabernet Franc
Aged 18 months in French oak
13.9% ABV
Produced 60 cases, bottled July 2012

A perfect match for our southern Outer Coastal Plain vineyard conditions, Cabernet Franc vines thrive in sandy soils and fare well in a slightly cooler climate due to early bud and ripening. Although its known for it’s place in Bordeaux blends, Cabernet Franc produces an impressive single varietal wine with a lighter pigmentation but smoother mouth-feel than Cabernet Sauvignon. Our 2011 vintage has aromas of forest floor, dried leaves, plum, and blueberry. Medium-to-full mouth fades to a long, rich finish of dried blueberry. Pair with a grilled steak.

2010 Reserve Merlot- Coming Spring 2013

In the Cellar

Below are previous vintages, varietals, and blends that are now in the Winemaker’s Cellar.

2007 Red Table Wine

2007 Merlot

2007 Cabernet Sauvignon

 

2008 Pinot Grigio

2008 Chardonnay

2008 Riesling

2008 Red Table Wine
This wonderful blend of a young and vibrant Chamborcin along with the bold, yet well rounded Cabernet Sauvignon make this a versatile wine for a wide variety of food pairings.  The 2008 Cabernet was aged in oak for 21 months to allow for ample maturity of its tannins.  While the 2009 Chamborcin was aged in stainless steel in order to retain its fruity youthfulness.  Beautiful aromas of raspberry from the Chamborcin lead into structured layers of blueberry, blackberry and nutmeg from the Cabernet.  Medium bodied with a refined finish.  Try with Red Snappersautéed in a classic lightFrench Provençale sauce.  Cheese pairing suggestion:  Etorki or Gruyere de Comte.  Awarded a silver medal in the World Wine Championship.  88 point rating and highly recommended by Beverage Testing Institute:  Garnet violet color. Aromas of stewed berries, herbs, and tomatoes and dried leaves with a supple, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a chocolate covered cherry and nutskin accented finish. A nice, earthy table wine that will go well with roasts and stews.

2008 Merlot

Our 2008 Merlot is an exceptional wine marked by natural balance, rich concentrations of fruit and a delicate harmony of soft, round tannins.  A classic bordeaux on the nose.  Full, rich velvet in the mouth with a long graceful finish.  Lush plum flavors with dried fruit and a hint of strawberry tart.  A classic Merlot.  Try with Roast Duck over sweet potato risotto.

2008 Quill
Classic Bordeaux structure with grace and power.  Mouth-filling with a wonderful tannin, acid interplay.  On the nose blackberry and plum with a hint of minerality.  An excellent food wine you must try with New Zealand Rack of Lamb.  Cheese pairing suggestion: Havarti.  Awarded a gold medal in World Wine Championship.   93 point rating and highly recommended by Beverage Testing Institute:  Deep garnet color. Aromas of clay, buttercream, mint tea, and cranberry coulis with a supple, silky, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a long, smooth, herbal and savory root vegetable, tomato and apple skins, menthol tobacco ash, and cedar accented finish. Distinctive, dynamic and exotic; will go brilliantly with Middle Eastern lamb.

2008 Talon

This is an excellent food wine with European stylings.  On the nose graphite, ripe perfumed blueberry, cheery and pie spice hints.  Full, rich structure and well integrated French oak, a two minute finish with the flavor of blueberry pie.  Will evolve for 5 years and drink well for ten.  Try with Braised Short Rib accompanied by crab whipped potatoes.  Awarded 92 points and a Gold Medal by The World Wine Championship.

2008 Cabernet Sauvignon
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Aged 21 months in French oak
13.5% ABV
Produced 217 cases, bottled July 15, 2010

Plucked from the most mature vines of our vineyard, our estate Cabernet Sauvignon is the wine-maker’s favored varietal. The fruit was hand picked, gently de-stemmed, then fermented with as many whole berries as possible to preserve the delicate fruit flavors and aromas. Aged 21 months in 80% new French oak. Aromas of autumn leaves, chocolate coffee bean and red clay. Tart pomegranate and herb accented finish. A robust wine with a nice dose of Old World charm. Medium- to full-bodied. Try with filet mignon sauce au poivre, dolce gorgonzola, and caramelized onions. Awards: 2011 World Wine Championship Gold Medal, 91 Points- “Exceptional” (Beverage Testing Institute)

2009 Pinot Grigio

2009 Chardonnay

The grapes for our 2009 Chardonnay were harvested in late September. Aged in 80 % new French oak for slightly over 9 months.  Aromas of cream frosting, honeycomb and lemon-pineapple yogurt.  Notice the sense of place in the Burgundian vein.  Try with Bouillabaisse.

2009 Riesling

2009 Red Table Wine

2009 Merlot
A classic Merlot.  Medium-to-full bodied.  Very Bordeaux in nature.  Fine tannins.  Cherry, dried lavender and rose petal flavors float in a creamy texture with an excellent balance.  This wine will improve for 10 years.   Awarded a silver medal by World Wine Championship and a bronze medal in the International Finger Lakes Wine Competition.   88 point rating and highly recommended by Beverage Testing Institute:  Ruby red color. Aromas of plum pudding and tomato chutney with a chewy, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a nice kiss of vanilla and peppery spices on the gentle finish.

2009 TALON
Our second vintage of this star-studded blend. Gull brooding aromas of blackberry, strawberry jam and camphor. Jammy flavors  and a rich, sweet entry give way to a long finish of wild strawberry. A wine that will improve for 5 to 8 years. Pair this wine with a juicy steak and you will be left begging for more. Awards: 2012 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition Bronze Medal

2009 Tempranillo

2010 Pinot Grigio
Our 2010 Pinot Grigio is lively with bright acidity and a long finish.  The grapes were harvested at full maturity, whole cluster pressed and cold fermented over a three month period.  The wine was bottled young to capture the subtle aromas.  White peach and jasmine aromas with flavors of peach giving way to ripe apricot.  Pair with a buttery, light fish.  Awarded a bronze medal in the International Finger Lakes Wine Competition.

2010 Chardonnay
A mouth filling, yet restrained, very structured wine.  Creamy with bright acidity.  Flavors of lemon, kiwi, mango and a hint of oak spice.  Burgundian in style.  A hint of butter and lemon crème brulee.  Pair with salmon or chicken.  Awarded a silver medal by New Jersey Monthly Wine Competition, a silver by the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, a silver by World Wine Competition.  88 point rating and highly recommended by Beverage Testing Institute:  Golden yellow color. Aromas of roasted pineapple and toasty meringue with a fruity-yet-dry medium body and a honeyed apple, lemon mousse, fruit salad, and delicate brown spice accented finish. Tasty.

2010 Riesling

Our Riesling is semi-dry with a hint of sweetness to enhance the natural fruit flavors.  Cinnamon and lychee fruit are at the forefront.  A tangy, clean finish rounds out this wine, making it a true delight.  This is a great wine selection for the holidays.

2010 Gewurztraminer- Signature Series
Offered to our Wine Club Members only.  Awarded a silver medal in World Wine Competition and a bronze in the International Finger Lakes Wine Competition.  87 point rating and highly recommended by Beverage Testing Institute:  Golden color. Lush fresh baked peach strudel and orange sorbet aromas with supple, fruity medium body and a honeyed golden raisin chutney and apple-pear cider finish. A nice late harvest style gewurz.

2010 Viognier- Signature Series

Offered to our Wine Club Members only.  Awarded a bronze medal in the International Finger Lakes Wine Competition.