Introduction:
The 2022 Estate Saperavi from Hyatt Vineyards is a rare and expressive single‐varietal bottling of Saperavi in Washington’s Rattlesnake Hills AVA. It pushes boundaries with dark fruit, minerality, and a structural backbone—tailored for drinkers who want fullness, depth, and something a little off the beaten path.
Terroir:
Grown in Hyatt’s estate vineyards set on subsoils of the Cascade-derived Ellensburg Formation, with elevation providing cool nights that preserve acidity. The Rattlesnake Hills AVA’s heat units aid in ripening bold varietals like Saperavi, while the soils and elevation give texture and distinct mineral lift.
Appearance:
Deep inky ruby with nearly opaque core and purple tinges; the glass holds thick, slow-falling legs indicative of high extract and richness.
Nose:
A brooding bouquet of black currant, huckleberry, and dark plum at the forefront. Underneath are notes of graphite, espresso bean, and mild oak spice, with a whisper of tar or smoky minerals that appear with air.
Palate:
Full-bodied and muscular. Juicy blue and black fruits are layered over a foundation of smooth oak, dark chocolate, and subtle earth. Tannins are firm but polished, giving structure without harshness. There’s a vibrant acidity that keeps the wine lively rather than heavy.
Finish:
Long, intense, and persistent. The fruit hangs on—dark berry and plum—wrapped in graphite and mineral echoes. Spice and oak return on the close, with a dry edge that invites food.
Food Pairing Suggestions:
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Meat dish: Grilled ribeye with charred edges or slow-braised beef short ribs with a dark fruit reduction
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Vegetarian option: Roasted portobello mushrooms with balsamic glaze and thyme, or eggplant stacks layered and roasted with tomato and herbs
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Cheese pairing: Aged Manchego or smoked gouda—cheeses with enough bite and flavor to stand up to the wine’s tannin and richness
Overall Impression:
The 2022 Hyatt Saperavi is a powerful, intriguing wine: dense dark fruit, graphite-minerality, and oak spice all woven together with taut tannin and lively acidity. It’s not for the faint of heart, but for those craving a bold, distinct red that sails through the glass and lingers long on the last sip. Excellent with hearty fare and perfect for cellaring a few years for added complexity.
Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): ~14.8%
Farming Practices: Estate vineyards; sustainable practices; careful canopy management and ripeness targeting
Producer Name: Hyatt Vineyards
Old World / New World: New World
Country of Origin: USA
Region: Rattlesnake Hills (Yakima Valley), Washington State
Grape Varietals: 100% Saperavi
Vintage: 2022
Wine Style: Dry red; bold, textured, varietal‐driven
Winemaking Techniques: Aged in oak (natural barrels), extended maceration to extract phenolics, use of high extract winemaking approaches
Pack Size: 750 mL
Container Style: Standard glass bottle
Closure Style: Cork