Like many Mexican immigrants in the wine industry, Hugo Maldonado, learned his vintner craft by working alongside his father tending vines at the prestigious Newton winery. Hugo completed the immigrant dream by earning a degree in Viticulture & Enology at UC Davis. Proud of this heritage, they also make wine under the Farm Worker label. They own a vineyard in the Carneros area that gives them what they need to produce Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah. The Calistoga winery vineyard “Hawk’s Nest” gives them entry into the world of Cabernet Sauvignon. They continue their vineyard management company and are founding members of the Napa Valley Mexican-American Vintner’s Association.

Nose: ripe blackberry, black plum, cocoa powder, graphite, white pepper, black tea, lavender.

Palette: velvety black berry and plum, spice, dusty earth

Pairing: Prime rib, classic beef stew, baby back ribs. Cheese: a well-aged Gouda.

 This wine is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 10% Syrah. The nose goes on and on, and the palette is a well-integrated expression of all you smell. It’s a big wine and will benefit from a quick decant or a vigorous swirl in your glass. You can also keep it for a few more years- it will only get better.