Way off the beaten path near Dripping Springs sits a winery well worth the trek – Hawk’s Shadow. Built on passion for wine, the love of friends, and Carol Reed’s horse, Hawk, this winery delivers a fun approach to wine. Hawk’s Shadow winery, owned by Doug Reed, Tom Reed, and Chip Concklin, offers 22-mile views of gorgeous Hill Country, a cellar reminiscent of those in Burgundy, France, and wonderful Texan wines to enjoy.
The collection offers a touch wine geekiness. Visitors can sample a vertical of HSV Estate and experience the Larry, Darryl and Darryl, named for characters on the “Bob Newhart Show,” collection side-by-side.
These wines are sourced from one vineyard in Canadian County near the border of Oklahoma in the Texas panhandle.
The blend in this series cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and merlot. This plot of land produces some distinct qualities that are seen throughout the line-up. Cherry is the dominant flavor. The difference is the oak the juice is fermented and aged in. A side-by-side tasting is a must do for oenophiles.
2016 Dry Riesling
Juniette
4 stars
This light and crisp wine awakens the senses with brilliant aromas of Meyer lemon, Golden Delicious apple and a hint of tropical fruits. A beautiful minerality follows. There is an exotic Madagascar vanilla that pulls all of this together. The racy acidic finish carries it through. Pair Juliette with bacon-wrapped shrimp or white wing dove.
2015 Orange Muscat Blend
Luna de Oro
4 stars
This is not your mother-in-law’s Moscato. It has 4% chenin blanc, 2% riesling and is barrel fermented and aged. Aromas of honeydew melon, lemon peel and honeysuckle swoon. This porch sipping white dances on the tongue, it’s all over the pallet. It finishes with a touch of tannin from the oak. Pair Luna de Oro with oysters – on the half shell, grilled, or Rockefeller. It has enough body to hold up to spicy sauces.
2011 Red Blend
grenache/syrah based
HSV Estate
3.5 stars
A rich ruby color gives this charming old world with new world blend it’s cellar worthy designation. Aromas of raspberries, red cherries, sweet tobacco leaf and licorice root greet the nose. The rich body enhances the brooding flavors and the tannin structure is outstanding. Pair HSV 2011 Estate with wild game tenderloin, nilgi or axis deer.
2013 Red Blend
grenache/syrah based
HSV Estate
4 stars
The 2013 Estate fruit produced a luscious garnet colored wine with essence of red plums, and red cherries. The black pepper and baking spice aromas lends a kick to the ripe fruit. Well composed acidity makes this a foody wine and the smooth tannin structure add weight to the elegant finish with beautiful complexities.
Pair HSV 2013 with pan seared hanger steak.
2014 Bordeaux Blend Single Vineyard
Sourced Larry
4.5 stars
Aged in American Oak, Larry is a bright ruby color with plenty of oak and vanilla. Black plum, dark cherry, woven with damp earth, charred wood, cloves and cigar box spice will age beautifully together. It was just bottled and is showing handsomely. The tannins are solid with a full-bodied extended finish. Larry satisfies those needing a Big Red soda fix. Pair Larry with blue cheese and grilled lamb.
2014 Bordeaux Blend Single Vineyard
Sourced Darryl
3.5 stars
The tightly woven French Oak influences wine in a subtler way than American oak. This fruit forward wine begins with a bright ruby color. The candied cherry aromas jump from the glass. It’s almost like a jolly rancher cherry candy. Hints of chocolate and licorice caress the senses. There is some cigar spice and sweet tobacco leaf, adding in backbone. This is a good wine for those starting their journey into wine. This one would also be great chilled. Pair with grilled salmon with sweet chili sauce or jalapeño cheddar sausages.
2014 Bordeaux Blend Single Vineyard
Sourced Darryl
3.5 stars
Darryl is aged in Hungarian oak, which changes the flavor and color. This blend is a rich ruby/purple color with tempered cherry aromas. Tobacco leaf and cassis blend with white pepper on the pallet. The tannins are softer, silky and more feminine. Pair this with peppered pork tenderloin.