Wines York Mountain Hedges Family Estate - Red Mountain - 2022

Hedges Family Estate’s Cuvée Red Mountain 2022 is a red wine crafted on the historic York Mountain AVA, nestled within California’s diverse wine heartland. Despite the estate’s broader association with Washington State’s Red Mountain, this particular vintage is tied to the Californian landscape of York Mountain—a cooler coastal enclave famed for its foggy mornings and maritime breezes. The 2022 vintage benefits from this temperate, ocean-influenced climate, contributing elegance and freshness to the wine’s profile. Given it is a cuvée, the wine is likely a blend of classic Bordeaux-inspired varietals, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Cabernet Franc, although precise proportions remain unspecified. Typically, such blends from California show a vibrant interplay of ripe fruit—blackcurrant, plum, and cherry—underpinning nuanced notes of cedar, herbs, and possibly a dash of cocoa or spice from judicious oak ageing.

York Mountain itself is a tiny AVA located in San Luis Obispo County, perched at higher elevations close to the Pacific Ocean. Its cool climate and predominantly calcareous soils promote longer ripening seasons, allowing for complex aromatics and polished tannins. The region’s history stretches back to the late 19th century, with an ongoing reputation for producing wines marked by finesse rather than sheer power.

For food pairings, this style of red wine would be a delightful companion to hearty dishes and grilled meats. Try it alongside roast lamb with rosemary, braised short ribs, or a wild mushroom risotto. For a regional touch, pair with California-inspired cuisine such as tri-tip steak or slow-cooked pork tacos with fresh salsa. The wine’s balanced acidity and structured tannins will cut through rich flavours and complement earthy, savoury elements.

To appreciate its aromatic complexity and structure, serve this wine at 16-18°C. Allowing it some time to breathe before tasting will help reveal its full bouquet and texture, especially if opened within a few years of the 2022 vintage date.