Dancing Hares Current Releases | Dancing Hares Library Wines | Mad Hatter



The 2003 Dancing Hares (limited availability)

BLEND: 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Franc

AGING: Aged for 22 months in 85% new French Oak barrels

WINEMAKER NOTES:

Nearly eight years after the inaugural vintage from the Dancing Hares estate, the 2003 Dancing Hares has evolved into an alluring, graceful example of what this special vineyard can deliver. The wine has developed a very attractive bottle bouquet, with aromas of dried sage, fresh thyme, and exotic hardwood, mingling with deep, ripe berry aromas. The tannins have softened and rounded with time, and bring a soft, silky entry on the palate. The dense fruit at the wine’s core lingers, leaving a mouthwatering, complex finish. This wine has arrived at an exciting time in its evolution, and should continue to develop well in the near future.


2005 Dancing Hares (limited availability)

BLEND: 58 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Cabernet Franc, 15% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot

AGING: Aged for 20 months in 100% new French Oak barrels

WINEMAKER NOTES:

Thanks to ample spring rains, moderate temperatures during the growing season, and an Indian summer lasting into October, our vineyard delivered exceptionally balanced, beautifully ripe fruit. The resulting wine captures the power and nuance of our special estate, and all four varieties growing there. Vibrant aromas of fresh-cut cherries, rose petal, pastry cream, and crushed coriander are very inviting. The palate impression is soft and polished, but with great fruit intensity. The wine shows bright fruit flavors and balanced acidity, with notes of raspberry layer cake, caramel, and toasted almonds. After nearly two years in the bottle, the wine has already taken on some added depth and complexity, and should continue to develop over the next ten years or more.


2006 Dancing Hares (limited availability)

BLEND: 58 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Cabernet Franc, 25% Merlot

AGING: Aged for 20 months in French Oak barrels, 80% new

WINEMAKER NOTES:

2006 began with a cold, wet spring, similar in many respects to 2003 and 2005. Dry, mild conditions kept vine growth in check, and fruit yields in balance. Harvest was relatively late, with weather during September and October being warm and dry. This helped the vines at Dancing Hares to deliver fruit with soft, round tannins and deep, concentrated fruit flavors. The unique varietal make-up of the 2006 vintage gives the wine a high level of complexity, and the softness makes the wine very approachable right now. Aromas and flavors of candied cherry, dark chocolate, baking spices, and smoke should persist for years to come, while the wine continues to evolve. This wine can be enjoyed immediately upon opening the bottle, and should stay strong for 10+ years.