2005 H by Havens Velvet Three - Pack

[gcdyersb]

@hld1970

Found a review of the 2006 H by Havens Syrah (since this is 60% syrah):

Havens has long been a Syrah-making expert, and “H” is Havens’ top-of-the-line Syrah…

This is interesting since in the past the Hudson T Block Syrah was supposed to be their top bottling. In fact, I bought some 2006 Hudson T Block Syrah!

So either this ‘review’ is full of hot air, or the new owners of Havens tried to reinvent the wheel by renaming every wine.

I’d have to think the “H” line of wines is a lower-priced line, especially since in the last offer the “H” Cabernet was sourced from Mendocino.

[Trcseb]

With the winery being sold in 2006, Does anyone know where the wine was stored since then? Just curious to see if it was properly maintained.

[gcdyersb]

@jplamb

It’s pretty close to the same percentages as the Black and Blue (this is 60/40 black and blue is 62/38). This might be the juice that didn’t make the cut to become Black and Blue but you get 3 bottles for the price of one so it seems like that’d be a fair trade.

You’re probably right. I’m certain it’s a really good deal, but if it’s typical warm climate Syrah-Cab, I’ll still hold out for what I really want, anything from Carneros. Need vineyard sourcing info beyond just Napa to pull the trigger.

[gcdyersb]

@Trcseb

With the winery being sold in 2006, Does anyone know where the wine was stored since then? Just curious to see if it was properly maintained.

Everything apparently ran as before until 2008 when the previous owner who was still the winemaker or consultant was fired/resigned/quit/removed. The winery didn’t fold until late this year. The provenance should be fine.

[unixrab]

if only I (or others) were ratting… … perhaps I could purchase for my red-drinker

[webdev511]

@sherida

Love Syrah & Cab… anyone know if this is a good year? Anyone tried it before?

I know they’re out there, but I have yet to drink a bad wine from Napa circa 2005. A good year overall in the valley with even average vineyards turning out very good wines.

I really hope this will follow the rule as I’m more than happy to have someone else come across the exception.

[choey2k5]

Oh, hell, I’m in for three. If 2005 was a good year in Napa, then these can’t be worse than some of the $10 wines from Costco. Besides, I loved my last syrah and cabernet (separate bottles). What else… I need to justify my purchase… Oh, yeah, wine is good.

[jkdaaa]

On a(nother) Black & Blue note, is this co-fermented or blended later?

On a completely off-topic note, I just noticed WTSO’s “about us” page - pretty funny, in a flagrantly plagiaristic way. http://ow.ly/OQco

[jkdaaa]

Oh carp I tripped and fell on the stupidly large button…

2005 H by Havens Velvet Three - Pack
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[fairnymph]

I want just one bottle - if anyone in NC has one to spare?

[fairnymph]

I want just one bottle - if anyone in NC has one to spare?

[strean]

@choey2k5

Oh, hell, I’m in for three. If 2005 was a good year in Napa, then these can’t be worse than some of the $10 wines from Costco. Besides, I loved my last syrah and cabernet (separate bottles). What else… I need to justify my purchase… Oh, yeah, wine is good.

kinda buying blind here, but yeah, probably better than the $10 bottles at Costco. In for 2.

[exlaxer]

@hld1970

Found a review of the 2006 H by Havens Syrah (since this is 60% syrah):

Havens has long been a Syrah-making expert, and “H” is Havens’ top-of-the-line Syrah…

What makes it so? First and foremost, the best Syrah fruit of the vintage in Napa Valley’s Carneros growing region. Secondly, meticulous handling of the grapes. And thirdly, hands-on attention in the cellar from crushing and fermenting all the way through bottling. Syrah does not become “H” without a lot of TLC.

Havens Wine Cellars was established in 1984. While it makes very good Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the star of the cellar has always been Syrah. An “Old World” style of winemaking is embraced, and that’s what allows the earthy characteristics of the grapes to show through in the wines. Many California wineries blend away whose impressions; Havens has always embraced them.

This particular vintage is true to the “house style,” and also offers plenty of fruit flavor, joined by a hint of dark chocolate in the finish. Our tasting panel gives the “H” Syrah a solid “A” grade.

Hey hld1970, what’s the source of that review? And how recent is it? Thanks.

[ahacker]

Well, looks like I’m going to have alot of Haven’s on hand come Jan. 4. Since I couldn’t resist the last posting either.

[Hiker_jay]

I searched the web like a mand man however no sign of this wine anywhere. I am guessing though that for the relatively small sum of $34.99 that these bottles will be a nice addition to the collection. As others have said, 2005 was a good year for Napa.

How about it Wine Dave? Any tasting notes on this from you?

[Hiker_jay]

“our new H by Havens items; H by Havens is a small brand we recently created for specialty wines only”…

This was an excerpt from Havens original website. Unfortunately the link is dead so no way to read the rest of the statement.

Also, Borders has the 2006 ‘H’ by Havens Carneros Syrah for 12.99 a bottle, however shipping is $17 for 4 bottles. I am guessing that we may see that wine on here as well.

[mwrmwr]

I think you meant $12.99.

@Hiker_jay

Also, Borders has the 2006 ‘H’ by Havens Carneros Syrah for 1.99 a bottle, however shipping is $17 for 4 bottles. I am guessing that we may see that wine on here as well.

[Gman1962]

@gcdyersb

This is interesting since in the past the Hudson T Block Syrah was supposed to be their top bottling. In fact, I bought some 2006 Hudson T Block Syrah!

So either this ‘review’ is full of hot air, or the new owners of Havens tried to reinvent the wheel by renaming every wine.

I’d have to think the “H” line of wines is a lower-priced line, especially since in the last offer the “H” Cabernet was sourced from Mendocino.

Found this post in a different blog which indicates the “H” line was the ‘value’ price point:
Author: grape_ape [ Thu Dec 17, 2009 4:15 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Havens Winery - owner bankrupt, liquidating inventory
Scruff wrote:
Sad to see this… (but a potential bargain if you are into them)

K&L just listed 2006 Havens Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon for $9.99 (down from around 35)

I saw this, and I’m very curious… wondering if they are just bottling components of other Havens wines that were in barrel to blow out inventory. I was in the Havens wine club for a year or two, a few years back and have also been to the winery. to my knowledge, other than the more recent Havens “H” value line, I have never seen a stand alone Havens Cabernet… The Havens H Cab sells for ~$17.

[mwrmwr]

It’s ad copy from vinesse.com and borderswinelist.com describing the 2006 ‘H’ by Havens Carneros Syrah they’re selling for $12.99. It may have had a prior source, but I couldn’t find anything more.

@exlaxer

Hey hld1970, what’s the source of that review? And how recent is it? Thanks.

[deaconbluez]

Last wooter to woot: deaconbluez

Time to put Missouri on the map, and pick up a Christmas present for myself.

Merry Christmas, everyone!