December 2010: Daniel Rogov
Hagafen, Prix Melange, Napa Valley, 2006: Every bit as exciting as the 2004 release. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and notes of vanilla and spices from the oak barriques in which it aged, those in fine balance with fruits and acidity. On first attack raspberries and cassis, those followed by notes of blackcurrants, blackberries and mint. From mid-palate on notes of eucalyptus and tobacco, all coming together as a generous and coherent whole. Drink now-2016. Score 95.
° ° °
February 2010: World Wine Championships
Prix 2006 Mélange: Aromas of chocolate, tart lingonberries, clay, and beeswax follow through with very good depth and tartness and appealing eucalyptus-menthol and cocoa note. Finishes with a firm, earthy tannin fade. A powerful brooding wine that needs big foods and time.
Gold Medal
93 points (Exceptional, Cellar Selection)
° ° °
February 2009: World Wine Championships
Prix 2005 Mélange: Aromas of coconut creamy pie, currant, eucalyptus, and delicate follow through on a supple, soft entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body with good depth and balance. Finishes with a long, pure, fruit,toffee, and mineral driven finish. A delicious and poised wine reminiscent of a fine right bank Bordeaux wine with an American twist.
Gold Medal
92 points (Exceptional)
° ° °
August 2008: Daniel Rogov, International Herald Tribune
Prix 2005 Mélange: Perhaps not the magnificent 2004 wine but superb in its own right, calling far more to mind the wines of Bordeaux' right bank than those of California. Full-bodied, with gently mouth-coating tannins, opens with red and black berries, those yielding to currants, violets, chocolate and peppery notes. On the long finish tempting hints of cinnamon and white chocolate. Drink now-2014. Score 93
° ° °
May 2008: World Wine Championships
Prix 2006 Late Harvest Chardonnay: 93 POINTS, "Exceptional"
° ° °
May 2008: Wine Enthusiast
Prix 2004 Mélange: "Rich in red currant, cassis, licorice, cola, vanilla cream and smoky oak flavors, with a smoothly tannic texture, this wine seems to be Cabernet-based. It’s made solidly along Napa cult Cab lines, a softly voluptuous wine that’s delicious now, and should age well for many years."
° ° °
August 2007: Indy International Wine Competition
Prix 2006 Late Harvest Chardonnay: GOLD Medal
° ° °
July 2007: Daniel Rogov, International Herald Tribune
Prix 2004 Mélange: Very possibly the best ever from Ernie Weir at Hagafen. A Bordeaux blend, medium- to full-bodied, with soft tannins, gently vanilla-richwood, acidity and fruits in fine balance. On first attack generous cherry, red berry and cassis, those yielding to blackberries and spring flowers and then to reveal chocolate, white pepper and cinnamon, all of which come together harmoniously and linger on and on in a mouth-filling finish. Drink now-2015. Score 95.
° ° °
July 2007: Hilton Head Wine Fest
Prix 2004 Mélange: GOLD Medal and BEST OF SHOW Nominee (one of only thirty-five red wines considered)
° ° °
May 2007: Los Angeles International Wine Competition
Prix 2004 Mélange: GOLD Medal!
° ° °
January 2007: World Wine Championships
Prix 2004 Mélange: Deep, saturated ruby hue. Gorgeous cassis aromas have a pure red fruit quality and an integrated expensive-oak influence. A firm entry leads a generous, moderately full-bodied palate with exceedingly pure red fruit flavors. Everything is in balance and the alcohol levels are admirably restrained by current-day California standards. Lengthy, delicious finish. Lovely now, but built to develop for a decade or more like great California wines used to.
Platinum Medal
96 points (Superlative)