Almost black in color, the Hovey Petite is layered and concentrated, deep and soulful with flavors of lavender, berry and licorice segued by a coffee and tobacco kicker. A true Petite Sirah lovers’ Petite Sirah.
— V.B.
(2/1/2012)
Chuck Hovey is the longtime winemaker for Stevenot Winery and this is his own small label based out of Murphys. His Barbera has been a standout up to now but this, his first Hovey Zinfandel, should turn heads as well. Cofermented with 15% Petite Sirah, its aromas of strawberry, blackberry and vanilla will sweep you off your feet and its clean, rich flavors of mocha…
— V.B.
(12/1/2011)
Full of violet, flowery aromas that descend into oak, blackberry and cigar, this is a muscular Tempranillo with a feminine side, big yet smooth with subtle blueberry sweetness. Grown from the Rolleri Vineyard above Angels Camp and given 18 months of barrel age, this would make a spectacular pairing with wintertime roasts and stews.
— V.B.
(12/31/2011)
A lovely Barbera. Shows the full-bodied, tannic structure and tart acidity of the variety, but is so rich in flavor, you want to drink it now. Floods the mouth with blackberries, currants, dark chocolate, anise and toasted almonds.
— S.H.
(12/15/2010)
On the bigger, beastlier side of Barbera, grown from a one-acre plot in the El Dorado hills, this wine’ll take some time to unveil itself—5 to 6 years—but already shows licorice, black cherry and oakiness that’s bound to resolve itself with age. Incredibly juicy and good now, the acidity’s still a bit tight.
— V.B.
(12/15/2011)
A lovely Foothills Chardonnay from longtime area winemaker Chuck Hovey, who also makes the Stevenot wines. With strong apple and cinnamon personality the wine also has an intriguing creaminess to it, with lilting lemon meringue. Let it open slowly or place it in the cellar for 2–5 years to let the tartness on the finish disappear.
— V.B.
(12/15/2011)
Soft, silky and a little sweet, with flavors of cherry jam, red currants and mocha. A nice everyday wine to drink with pizza and lasagna.
— S.H.
(12/15/2009)