Hawkes 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon is available at a Vintages location near you, for the great price of $29.95.  Released this past Saturday, February 5th, stock is already moving very steadily.  Be sure to check inventories at a store near you, or ask your local store manager to see if they can procure some for you.

Hawkes 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon is estate grown and produced in the Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California. It is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged in barrel for 22 months, 40 percent of which was new French oak. It is a blend of fruit from two hillside vineyards: 60 percent from the Pyramid Ranch Vineyard, 40 percent from the Red Winery Road Vineyard.

Slight toasty oak notes frame the expressive currant, cherry and plum notes on the nose. The fruit notes carry through to the elegantly balanced palate with hints of spice and vanilla. This wine is a pure expression of Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

Hawkes 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon has received rave reviews from:

- Wine Enthusiast: "This is a beautiful Cabernet and at ..., a relative bargain given the price that great Napa Cab has hit. Dry and complex, it shows wonderful tannic structure, and the smoky oak is subtle, allowing the black and red currant and plum flavors to star. Lovely now, and should develop through 2012. Score - 92. (Steve Heimoff, Wine Enthusiast, Dec. 31, 2008)"

- Natalie MacLean: "A plummy, rich red that's balanced and full-bodied with delicious dark berries and cassis and smoky long finish. Decant for 1-2 hours. Food matches: beef rib roast. 91 points!" (www.nataliemaclean.com)

- David Lawrason: "This is a very stylish and even cabernet. A bit sweet for the genre, but it is compact with fine acidity and tannin. Expect ripe, almost dried fruit character with nicely integrated chocolaty, spicy oak. Length is very good to excellent. Enjoyable now through 2015. 90 points. (www.winealign.com)"