Hamel Family Vyrds 2021 "Stratum" Red

The Wine

This wine opens with layers of dark fruit and the earthy signatures of Sonoma Valley reds. Black cherry, blackberry, and warm plum form the core, followed by just-sharpened #2 pencil, dried sage, and slightly resinous hints from the vineyard's hillside scrub brush.

The palate echoes the dark fruit theme, framed by fine tannin. Notes of cocoa nib, cedar, and warm stones emerge as the wine moves across the mid-palate, giving it a grounded, mineral dimension. The acidity is bright but integrated, keeping the wine taut and energetic. The wine bids goodbye with lingering hints of violet, bay leaf, iron-rich earth and lavender.

Pairings: Any of your favorite dishes that will play well with this wine's dark fruit and earth notes. Herb-crusted lamb (try this dead easy recipe from our Chef's Corner!), (classic pairing) grilled steak, duck breast or duck confit with a cherry reduction, charred eggplant or mushroom risotto.

The Winery

Hamel Family Wines is a modern estate in Sonoma whose reputation has been shaped by respect for the land and a commitment to precision farming. Their guiding philosophy is one of thoughtful stewardship, farming their vineyards organically and biodynamically, time-consuming and expensive endeavors deemed worth it to fully reveal the character of each vineyard.

Their estate parcels—stretching from the valley floor to the Mayacamas foothills—give them a mosaic of soils and exposures, allowing for nuanced, site‑specific blends that highlight Sonoma’s natural diversity.

In the cellar, the winemaking is similarly measured - gentle extraction, restrained oak, and a patience prior to release that allows the influence of each vineyard to shine through.

In short order, Hamel Family Wines have earned a reputation for producing some of Sonoma Valley’s most thoughtful, terroir‑driven reds—wines that are expressive in youth but built for evolution, shaped by a philosophy that marries modern precision with a farmer’s intuition.