From: Walla Walla, Columbia Valley, Washington
Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petit Verdot
Tasting Notes and Critical Acclaim: “Our third vintage of the FH is crazy easy to like. Supple and generous, it features a range of black cherry, blackberry and delicious dark chocolate tones. Already in peak drinking form, the 2018 FH will stay in stride for at least the next five years. A blend of 91.7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Malbec and 2.3% Petit Verdot, it has the heft to stand up to hearty food (think grilled steak or roasted chicken or pork), as well as the supple charm of to make you crave another glass as aperitif. A guaranteed crowd pleaser.” - Official Producer Website
“This newcomer in Walla Walla Valley impresses. The Cab has been blended with 6% Merlot and 2.3% Petit Verdot. The aromas provide notes of savory herb, vanilla, cherry, chocolate and barrel spice, mixing fruit and barrel. The palate shows a lot of density and intensity. There's plenty of structure behind it. It's lovely.” 91 points from Sean P. Sullivan, Wine Enthusiast
Pairing: Washington Cabernet Sauvignon, with its bold flavors, deep color, and rich tannins, pairs wonderfully with hearty, robust dishes that complement its complexity and structure. Think of grilled red meats like a prime rib or a juicy steak, which the wine's tannins can cut through, enhancing both the meat's flavors and the wine's own character. For a more refined dining experience, consider a rack of lamb with rosemary and garlic, offering a blend of flavors that marry well with dark fruit notes, spice, and cacao undertones typical of Washington Cabernet Sauvignon. Vegetarian options such as a rich, mushroom-based risotto or dishes featuring lentils and root vegetables can also match the wine's intensity. Cheese lovers should look towards aged varieties like cheddar or gouda, whose nutty and savory qualities are a delightful match for the wine's bold profile. When planning your pairings, aim for flavors that match the wine's weight and complexity to fully appreciate the nuanced interplay between food and this distinguished varietal.
Crisp Lamb With Yogurt and Scallions
Recipe from Carlo Mirarchi
Adapted by Sam Sifton
About. Fool Hardy Vintners represents the partnership and shared vision of Jonathan Edelman and Dan Sogg, two lifelong friends united by their deep appreciation for wine. Their adventure into winemaking began in college, where their passion for wine flourished over shared meals. With the establishment of Fool Hardy Vintners, they aim to craft the kinds of wines they favor: ripe, lively, balanced freshness, and the essence of fruit. A commitment to simplicity marks their approach to winemaking, meticulous attention to detail, and the selection of superior vineyards known for their rich, flavorful yields. They chose the vibrant wine culture and boundless vineyard potential of Washington State as their base, confident that their dedication would culminate in wines that resonate with enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike.
Jonathan Edelman contributes a diverse background to their endeavor, initially embarking on a culinary career after culinary school in Paris and time in Michelin-starred kitchens. His journey from food to technology did not diminish his love for wine; alongside Fool Hardy, he is involved with a Sonoma Cabernet venture and has been a regular participant in Burgundy's harvests with Remoissenet Père et Fils for over a decade. Dan Sogg entered the wine industry post-college, with experience ranging from retail to production in Bordeaux, editorial work at Wine Spectator, and representing Tonnellerie Cavin, a prestigious Burgundy cooperage.
The duo is committed to producing wines that complement food beautifully, believing in the importance of transparency in winemaking to highlight fully ripe grapes' natural vigor and charm. Their portfolio, though select, spans from pure varietal Cabernet Sauvignon to blends that echo the style of Bordeaux's Left Bank, along with Sauvignon Blanc, Malbec, and a single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from Red Willow. With a focus on the 2022 vintage, producing around 1,700 cases across eight varieties, Fool Hardy Vintners prides itself on using mature vines for their depth and unique character, engaging customers directly and through distributors, and foregoing a traditional tasting room setup.
“This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of two old-vine blocks in Western Yakima: Elephant Mountain, planted in 1999, and Red Willow, planted in 1991. The 2018, our third bottling of this wine, is the richest Foolhardy Cabernet Sauvignon to date.”
Elephant Mountain Vineyards, in Washington state's Yakima Valley AVA, is owned and operated by Joe Hattrup; the vineyard was established in 1998 on the southern slopes of Rattlesnake Ridge at the base of Elephant Mountain. This site is celebrated for its south-facing slopes, positioned it above the Missoula Flood Plain on prehistoric soils.
The vineyard's establishment began with the planting of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon blocks in 1998, eventually expanding to nearly 90 acres. This expansion included a diverse array of grape varieties such as Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Mourvedre, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Sangiovese, and Riesling.
The vineyard benefits from a distinct microclimate characterized by its location on southern-facing slopes ranging from 1,320 to 1,460 feet. The soil profile, primarily sandy silt loam over a gravelly, calcareous subsurface, and the vineyard's drip irrigation from a deep well contribute to the quality of the grapes grown. The warm and dry conditions, aided by the rocky south-facing slopes, create an optimal environment for growing and maturing wine grapes. This results in a long frost-free growing season that allows for extended hang time and ideal fruit maturation. Over the past decade, Elephant Mountain Vineyards has enjoyed, on average, thirty more frost-free days than most locations in the Columbia Valley.
Red Willow Vineyard, located in the Yakima Valley AVA, is one of Washington State's most historic and pioneering vineyards, founded in 1971. The vineyard is recognized for its diverse terrain, consisting of four distinctive blocks that supply fruit to over 20 wineries across Washington and Oregon. This vineyard's roots trace back to the early 1970s when Mike Sauer began experimenting with various grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, on its challenging terroirs.
