From: Walla Walla Valley, Washington, USA
Blend: Merlot-focused with some Cabernet Franc and Syrah
Producer notes: “This vintage, the second of our red blend, is again Merlot-focused with Cabernet Franc but with the added addition of Syrah. Back in the day, the Bordelais in Bordeaux would add Syrah to their blends, that tradition continues here.”
Taste: This wine is elegant and inviting with fresh rose and lilac on the nose, eucalyptus, black cherry, autumnal spice, forest floor and a silkiness that makes it approachable now with ability to age.
Pairing: For classic American pairings, consider a smoky BBQ brisket with a tangy glaze, an all-American cheeseburger with caramelized onions, or a savory meatloaf with mashed potatoes and gravy. These hearty dishes will complement the wine's black cherry and spice notes while standing up to its elegant structure. On a global scale, this wine would be a lovely match for Moroccan lamb tagine with apricots and almonds, bringing out the earthy spice and fruit characteristics. A mushroom risotto from Italy will mirror the forest floor notes, while a French coq au vin made with red wine will harmonize with the autumnal spice. Try it alongside a Spanish chorizo paella for a robust, savory pairing, or a Middle Eastern beef shawarma with yogurt sauce to highlight the wine's floral and herbaceous nuances.
Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken With Tahini-Yogurt Sauce
By Lidey Heuck
About: Hoquetus Winery is the creative endeavor of Robert Gomez, a former musician
turned sommelier and winemaker, and his wife Bri, an art historian turned developer. Located in Walla Walla, Washington, Hoquetus focuses on producing wines that
emphasize a sense of place, using sustainably farmed grapes from the region.
Robert’s journey into winemaking is as eclectic as his career path. Initially a professional
musician who supported his artistic pursuits with bartending, he gradually fell in love with the world of wine. This passion led him to study enology and viticulture at Walla Walla Community College, where he honed his craft. Robert's wines are characterized by their freshness, lower alcohol content, and minimal oak influence, reflecting his preference for transparent and authentic expressions of the terroir. Bri, alongside Robert, has been integral to the winery’s operations. Their daughter, Uly, and Corgi, Ms. Daisy Pumpkins, complete the family, bringing a unique, personal touch to the winery’s narrative.
The name "Hoquetus" is a nod to Robert's musical background. It refers to a medieval
compositional technique called "hocket," where two voices alternate to create a single
melody—a metaphor for the dynamic interplay between the winemaker and the
fermentation process. Despite the challenges of starting a winery during tumultuous times, including the COVID-19 pandemic and environmental stresses like wildfires, Hoquetus Winery continues to thrive, offering wines that are not only a product of their environment but also of Robert and Bri’s unique journey.
