Hawks Hill Ranch 2022 Liquidity: Tasting Notes & Top Wine Critic Reviews

Top Wine Critic Ratings & Exclusive Wine Tasting Notes

Hawks Hill Ranch Featured Wine Selection

The 2022 Liquidity—a poised blend that channels the perfumed depth of Syrah, the lift of Grenache, and the architectural line of Cabernet Sauvignon.

Drawn from the calcareous slopes of Paso Robles’ Adelaida District, Liquidity speaks in a dialect of violet, graphite, and chalk—Paso richness, yes, but trimmed by mineral precision and shaped for the cellar.

A Study in Paso Precision

The 2022 Hawks Hill Ranch "Liquidity" is a highly-regarded Paso Robles Red Rhône Blend.

Liquidity was conceived as a counterpoint to the caricature of “big Paso reds”.

1st notice:

  • A quiet bloom of violets, a flicker of woodsmoke, a thread of graphite.

  • Dark fruit shaped by chalky minerality—cool-toned, deliberate, composed.

Why the blend works:

  • Syrah (62%) → perfume, savory depth, graphite.

  • Grenache (28%) → red-fruit lift, energy, mid-palate glide.

  • Cabernet (10%) → spine, line, and that clean, architectural finish.

The 2022 vintage, aged 22 months in French oak, further refines this pursuit. Each year, picking decisions and barrel programs are adjusted to sharpen precision and preserve depth.

The result is a wine that balances perfume and structure—Syrah bringing savory depth, Grenache lifting the mid-palate, and Cabernet Sauvignon lending its spine.

Hawks Hill Ranch 2022 Liquidity, a highly acclaimed Paso Robles Red Rhône Blend, doesn’t overwhelm the senses; it holds them, quietly but firmly, in balance.

Hawks Hill Ranch 2022 Liquidity – Tasting Notes & Specifications

HHR Vineyard’s Approach to Wine Crafting embodies a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, meticulously designed to highlight the unique terroir of Paso Robles. Our commitment to precision and artistry ensures that each bottle reflects the distinct character and elegance of the Adelaida District that discerning wine lovers seek.

Our methods remain minimalist, but never passive. Grapes are harvested at peak freshness, hand-sorted, and fermented with a focus on clarity of fruit and purity of site.

  • Blend: 62% Syrah · 28% Grenache · 10% Cabernet Sauvignon

  • Élevage: 22 months in French oak, only 20% new

  • Goal: Integration, not excess; texture and minerality over sheer weight

By extending élevage and restraining oak, the Liquidity 2022 develops chalk-edged tannins, mineral lift, and a seamless flow of fruit and spice. The wine is medium to full-bodied, but shaped with restraint—structured to cellar, designed to evolve.

Hawks Hill Ranch 2022 Liquidity: Wine-Tasting Notes & Acclaim

The 2022 Liquidity cements Hawks Hill Ranch’s reputation for Paso wines with shape, lift, and mineral line—not just power. Critics agree: this is a cellar-worthy blend where perfume meets precision.

  • Jeb Dunnuck — (95+ points, June 2025, Drink 2028–2038)
    “Black cherries, leather, graphite, and pepper… with tons of chalky minerality. Medium to full-bodied and focused, with a savory edge, beautiful tannins, and serious depth. Based on 62% Syrah, 28% Grenache, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged 22 months in French oak (20% new). Benefit from 2–3 years of bottle age and cruise over the following decade.

  • Jancis Robinson — (17/20, March 25, 2025)
    “Liquid violets with woodsmoke and damson plum. Dense and structured with chewy tannin and broad acidity. A touch of black-walnut bitterness on the finish.”

  • Eric Guido (Vinous) — (93 points, June 2025)
    “Opens with dried violets and blood-orange shavings; scant blackberry underneath. Soft textural waves contrast tart black fruits with minerals and spice; residual acidity adds balance. Edgy tannins pinch the cheeks; a sweet herbal twang resonates. Peak 2026–2031.

2022 Liquidity: Wine-Tasting Notes

Aroma

  • A quiet bloom of violets and woodsmoke

  • Black cherry and damson over graphite and chalk

  • Subtle leather, pepper, and a blood-orange lift

Palate

  • Medium to full-bodied with soft, rolling texture

  • Tart black fruits (blackberry, black cherry) threaded with mineral spice

  • Broad, balancing acidity; a savory edge that keeps the line taut

Finish

  • Long and precise: graphite, sweet herbal twang, and a faint black-walnut echo

  • Today: energetic and structured. With time: silk over stone

2022 Liquidity Featured Wine: Detailed Specifications & Tasting Notes

  • Appellation: Adelaida District, Paso Robles

  • Blend: 62% Syrah · 28% Grenache · 10% Cabernet Sauvignon

  • Price: $75

  • Élevage: 22 months French oak (20% new)

  • Maturity: 2028–2038 (Dunnuck) · 2026–2031 (Guido)

  • Style Signature: Perfume + mineral precision + architectural finish

How 2022 Liquidity Compares

Where many Paso blends lead with volume, Liquidity leads with line—perfume, mineral cut, and a clean architectural finish.

he 2022 Liquidity from Hawks Hill Ranch can be compared to previous vintages in several key aspects:

1. Flavor Profile

  • 2022 Vintage: Known for its rich blend of 62% Syrah, 28% Grenache, and 10% Cabernet, offering a complex and balanced taste with dark fruit notes, spice, and a smooth finish.

  • Previous Vintages: Earlier vintages, such as 2020 and 2021, also showcased a similar blend but may have had variations in fruit intensity and acidity due to climate conditions during the growing season.

2. Aging Potential

  • 2022 Vintage: This vintage is expected to have good aging potential, thanks to its structure and balance, likely improving with time.

  • Previous Vintages: Older vintages have shown that they can age well, developing more nuanced flavors over the years.

3. Critical Acclaim

  • 2022 Vintage: Early reviews suggest strong acclaim for its complexity and drinkability.

  • Previous Vintages: Past vintages have also received high praise, often noted for their elegance and depth, making them popular among wine enthusiasts.

4. Production and Terroir Influence

  • 2022 Vintage: The growing conditions in 2022 were favorable, contributing to the wine's quality.

  • Previous Vintages: Variations in weather patterns, such as drought or excessive rain, in previous years have influenced the characteristics of those vintages.

Overall, while the 2022 Liquidity continues the tradition of quality from Hawks Hill Ranch, it stands out for its specific blend and favorable growing conditions, making it a noteworthy addition to their lineup. Each vintage offers a unique expression of the terroir, reflecting the nuances of that particular year.

Versus typical Paso Robles GSM

  • More graphite/chalk than sweet spice

  • Finer tannin grain, less overt oak sweetness

  • A cooler-toned palate (violet, blood orange, damson) over simple ripeness

    Versus Northern Rhône-inspired reds

  • Shares Syrah’s savory register (smoke, pepper, leather) and mineral line

  • Grenache lifts the mid-palate; Cabernet tightens the spine and length

  • Paso fruit clarity remains, but power is sculpted, not swollen

    Within the HHR portfolio

    • Dark Pool (Syrah): vertical power, deeper shadow; Liquidity is more aerial and linear

    • Parity (Mourvèdre): ferrous/earth-spice nuance; Liquidity leans floral-mineral

    • Standard Deviation (Grenache): red-fruit transparency; Liquidity adds frame + length

    • Fat Finger (Cabernet): most architectural tannin; Liquidity threads perfume through the frame

If Dark Pool is a bold stroke, Liquidity is drafting—precision, proportion, and poise.
— Hawks Hill Ranch

2022 Liquidity Pairing & Cellaring

perfectly pair 2022 Liquidity with food & recommendations for optimal cellaring

Food Pairings

  • Rosemary lamb chops with black-olive tapenade
    Locks into Syrah’s savory core; salt + fat soften tannin.

  • Pepper-crusted tri-tip with charred onions
    Echoes graphite/pepper; amps the mineral line.

  • Duck breast with blood-orange gastrique
    Mirrors the wine’s citrus-violet register; brightens the finish.

  • Wild mushroom & eggplant ragù over polenta (veg)
    Earth + umami amplify spice and chalk.

  • Aged Manchego or Comté
    Protein stretches texture; salt lifts fruit.

Service & Cellar: optimal cellaring to enhance flavor profiles over time

  • Serve: 60–64°F (15.5–18°C)

  • Decant: 60–90 minutes if opened young

  • Drink Window:

    • Earliest “silk over stone” window: 2026–2031 (Guido)

    • Optimal harmony: 2028–2038 (Dunnuck)

    >Pro tip: If pouring now, decant and pair with protein to frame the tannin and lengthen the finish.

Hawks Hill Ranch Vineyard: Eco-Friendly Cultivation & Harvesting Principles

At Hawks Hill Ranch, our commitment to a sustainable growing and harvesting philosophy is deeply rooted in the collaborative “rising tide” approach. This method not only supports local agriculture but also actively preserves the rich heritage of the Paso Robles region.

Sustainable Growing & Harvesting Philosophy

The fruits of this dedication are reflected in every meticulously tended vine, every bottle crafted with care, and every meaningful community partnership we cultivate, embodying our respect for both the land and the people who nurture it.

A Legacy of Community & Paso Robles, CA Wine Crafting

At Hawks Hill Ranch, the art of winemaking extends beyond simply crafting outstanding bottles; it focuses on cultivating the land and supporting the community that upholds it.

The 2022 Liquidity reflects this philosophy, blending innovation with respect for tradition. It’s a wine that tells the story of our land, our people, and our unrelenting drive to create something extraordinary.

Looking beyond 2022 Liquidity? Here are four bottles that show the full range of Hawks Hill’s style—from mineral-cut white to cellar-worthy reds.

  • 2022 “Moth to Flame” Chardonnay — San Simeon (SLO Coast)
    Coastal precision. Bright lemon pith, white flowers, wet stone; medium-bodied with a saline, Chablis-meets-Burgundy line. (Barrel-fermented; restrained oak.)

  • 2021 “Dark Pool” Syrah — Adelaida District
    Shadow + structure. Blue-black fruit, smoked pepper, graphite. The darkest voice in the lineup, with vertical power and a long, savory finish.

  • 2022 “Standard Deviation” Grenache — Adelaida District
    Red-fruit clarity. Wild strawberry, blood orange, dried thyme; raised in neutral oak for transparency and lift. Silky, aromatic, dangerously drinkable.

  • 2021 “Fat Finger” (Cabernet-forward Bordeaux Blend)
    Architecture in the glass. Cassis, cedar, cocoa; firm, fine tannins and classic length. A cellar anchor that rewards patience.

Although the 2022 Liquidity takes center stage this month, we invite you to discover our other exceptional wines if you’re interested in exploring several varieties.

Join the HHR Featured Wine Club

Hawks Hill Ranch warmly invites you to uncork a carefully selected bottle of the 2022 Liquidity and immerse yourself in the exceptional excellence that the Adelaida District terroir so beautifully imparts. Whether you’re savoring its crisp minerality at a seaside picnic or pairing it with a fresh summer salad, this wine is a celebration of passion, place, and community.

Join our wine club or visit our tasting room to secure your bottle and explore the full Hawks Hill Ranch collection. Here’s to chasing the flame of excellence—together, we’ll make every sip unforgettable.

Explore our offerings by visiting the Hawks Hill Ranch Wine Store or contact us directly.


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