Description

2Hawk Sauvignon Blanc 2020

Vineyard

Although part of the Rogue Valley AVA, the 2Hawk Estate Vineyard lies in an area known locally as the Bear Creek sub-basin. The two-layered bedrock beneath our soils consists of a shallow volcanic layer, the Roxy Formation, and a deeper, softer layer of alluvial sandstone, The Payne Cliffs Formation. The Klamath Mountains uplifting event, roughly 20 million years ago, began a long erosion process that resulted in our predominately volcanic soils, which are unique to the Rogue Valley AVA. An area of cobbled river rocks in our eastern section and a sandy streak of considerably younger colluvial deposit running through the center of our vineyard site distinguish 2Hawk from neighboring vineyards. Overall, we have some of the oldest soils in the valley and they are characterized as shallow silty- to clayey-loams that are moderately well drained with moderate to rapid runoff.

Tasting notes

Sauvignon Blanc 2020 may likely turn into our best Sauvignon blanc to date. This wine defines balance and shows how important detailed vineyard management and diligent monitoring are to harvesting perfectly ripe fruit. Our Sauvignon blanc was racing to finish the season, but a perfectly timed irrigation set in the August heat slowed ripening just as the weather began to cool, giving us an extra two weeks of hang time. That extra time on the vine allowed the fruit to ripen without producing additional sugar or losing acid, which would have thrown the wine out of balance. We trusted our instincts and increased the percentage of barrel fermentation to give the intense fruit a sturdier frame upon which to evolve. Be prepared for our estate’s hallmark aromas of pink grapefruit, lemongrass, and white peach to be buttressed by deep flavors of quince, sweet cantaloupe, and tangerine while being contained by the pure, silky textural components. We suggest a simple grilled chicken sandwich on toasted naan with fire-roasted green chile hummus and heirloom tomato. Enjoy now through 2024.

Production notes

Aging: 6 months sur lies in 53% neutral oak, 47% stainless steel

Other notes

2020 turned out to be one of the most challenging vintages in the last quarter century. Coming off of a drier-than-normal 2019–2020 winter, we anticipated—and got—an early budbreak and warm beginning to spring. The excitement created by our early vine development was negated by a dramatically cool and wet May, which limited fruit set in the vineyard by as much as 40%. The summer developed into a normal warm, sunny period, and our excitement returned as we watched our small crop mature under clear blue skies. Not to be outdone, Mother Nature contrived a
severe unforeseen wind event in early September that threatened to destroy the entire vintage. Fortunately, we escaped the damaging effects of the wind storm and ensuing wildfires to enjoy a surprisingly cool September, which slowed ripening and promoted development of intense aromatics, concentrated flavors, and full phenolic ripeness. Harvest began September 8—a bit later than initially anticipated thanks to a cool September—and concluded with Tempranillo on October 19, just as fall showers settled into the Valley to signal the end of the season.