Sourced from the esteemed Wallula Vineyard, Den Hoed wines focus on Cabernet and Cabernet Blends from this great vineyard that overlooks the Columbia River. Den Hoed relies on the considerable winemaking talents of Rob Newsom and Giles Nicault. Rob is a Louisiana-born founder of the famed Boudreaux Cellars, previously served as assistant winemaker under Leonetti Cellar icon Gary Figgins. Giles Gilles Nicault left the University of Avignon with a four year degree in Viticulture and Enology. He honed his craft in the fabled hillside vineyards and wineries of Cote Du Rhone, Provence and Champagne. He then continued his winemaking journey in the United States at Woodward Canyon, Hogue and now the esteemed Long Shadows.
I have seen the quality of these wines improve considerably in the past few years, as I have tried every vintage of these wines for the past ten years. I was absolutely blown away with their 2012 releases and the 2013 releases from this estate are every bit as good. The 2013 Den Hoed ‘Andreas’ cabernet (WWB, 94) leads the way with a massive center, rich fruit flavors and a dense mouthfeel. This is classic Washington Cabernet. I can see this cellaring marvelously for up to another 20 years. Learn more about these great wines at http://www.denhoedwines.com/story
2013 Den Hoed 'Marie's View' Red Wine- Crafted by the esteemed winemaker Rob Newsom, this wine is the follow up to the rather epic 2012 'Marie's View' Red Wine opens with plush aromatics of sweet tobacco, black plum, creme de cassis and oak. There are dense flavors of blackberry cobbler, black cherry, mocha, creme de cassis and black raspberry liquor. With a dense mouthfeel and lovely structure, this massive wine will cellar marvelously for at least 15 years. The textural elements are gorgeous, as this is a layered beauty that shows both its masculine and feminine side from this warm vintage. If enjoying young, be sure to give beautiful wine at least a two hour decant. Drink 2017-2033- 93
2013 Den Hoed 'Andreas' Cabernet- This excellent Cabernet created by superstar winemaker Giles Nicault is the best ‘Andeas’ that I have sampled in the past ten years. The Cabernet wine opens with a bouquet of boysenberry preserves, black cherry, anise and cassis with sagebrush accents. The palate is dense and massive, having an intense core of black fruits reminiscent of cassis, candied black cherry, and blackberry pie with cigar box and mocha accents. The richness and polish to this wine is evident. With silky tannins and a voluptuous mouthfeel, this stunner will drink at least another 15 years. Drink 2017-2033- 94