THE STORY
I first heard about Swirling Hawk from its winemaker Frank Melicia, the winemaker at Parsonage and Silvestri. When one of our Monterey Chapter of the AWS members told me he was arranging a tour and tasting, I jumped on that tour. In late April, about a dozen of us met with David, the owner, at the winery for the story, a tour and a wine tasting. Swirling Hawk is not open to the public and only does small, private tastings with friends.
My bottom line: If you ever get an invitation to Swirling Hawk, say yes – you will be glad you did. The beautiful estate and vineyards are tucked away in Hidden Valley, off the Laureles Grade. The hospitality is first rate, as are the impressive wines. Moreover, all of that was accompanied by a lovely charcuterie spread. I took several wines home and am already looking forward to what is next.
This is the first time I’ve written about Swirling Hawk in Decanting Monterey.
ABOUT SWIRLING HAWK
From their website:
David & Marieke Arizini, Proprietors
“David’s family has been involved in the wine industry his entire life which nurtured his life long dream–to produce a world class wine for all to enjoy.
“After graduating college, he moved to California as a wine salesman where he met Marieke. Throughout their courtship, whether a casual gathering with loved ones, a dinner while traveling, or watching a sunset, they have always marveled at how a special bottle of wine dramatically enhances the experience.
“In 2017, they discovered Swirling Hawk Vineyards, a vineyard they knew would produce wines of exceptional quality and complexity. Swirling Hawk is singularly focused on delivering Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that will embody the unique air, land and sea characteristics surrounding this extraordinary vineyard.”
David shared that his current production is 250 cases. He currently has 15 barrels and will expand to 22. His wine club is modest – like his production: 1 release of 6 bottles per year. Nice.
2018 was their first vintage. The grapes experienced shorter hang time but even temperatures. The 115 clone of Pinot Noir was most dominant in that blend. In 2019, the grapes received a longer hang time and hotter weather, resulting in a much different flavor profile – more raspberry and cherry.
As best I could capture from David’s descriptions, Swirling Hawk has 13 acres of estate wine consisting of 777/116 and 667 Pinot Noir clones. The Pommard vines are only 6 years old, while the rest are 25. The Pinot Noir wine is aged in 50% new oak and 50% neutral oak. He has 10 unique barrels from which to determine the reserve blend, which is 2/3 Pommard clone.
All this talks about Pinot Noir clones can boggle one’s mind. I found this helpful article in Wine Enthusiast: A Wine Geek’s Guide to Pinot Noir Clones Around the World.
THE WINES
Today I’m bringing you 4 wines from Swirling Hawk. Winery notes come from our visit to the winery. Any errors are mine and mine alone. As a rule, I do not correct typos from the wineries’ websites.
2023 Swirling Hawk Chardonnay, Monterey AVA, Monterey County, $50 (#1551)
Winery Notes: During our visit, David indicated he only made 15 cases of this wine. It is sold out, yet we were able to taste it at this private event. Stainless steel fermentation, but some oak sticks added just a touch of buttery richness.
My Review: Golden in color and viscous in the glass. Buttery nose balanced by citrus and white blossoms notes. Minerality on the palate with a citrus twist finish. May 2025
2022 Swirling Hawk Pinot Noir, Monterey AVA, Monterey County, 14.7% ABV, $60 (#1552)
Winery Notes: This Pinot Noir is a blend of estate grapes: About 1/3 Pommard, 1/3 Swann and 1/3 of the rest of the hillside grapes.
My Review: Deep in color. Dark plum, Bing cherry and strawberry on the rich, fruity nose. This Pinot Noir is all fruit, like a dark cherry Jolly Rancher (in a good way). To me, this is a richer representation of the finest Monterey can produce. This was my favorite wine of the tasting. May 2025
2023 Swirling Hawk Pinot Noir, Monterey AVA, Monterey County, 14.6% ABV, $60 (#1553)
My Review: Dark, dense garnet in color. Dark plum and black licorice on the nose. The palate was scrumptious – a rich, delicious wine. Drinking exquisitely. Wish I had some at home. If you’ve got one in your cellar, now is the time to drink it. April 2025
2023 Swirling Hawk Reserve Pinot Noir, Monterey AVA, Monterey County, 14.6% ABV, $75 (#1554)
Winery Notes: The reserve blend is made from 2/3 Pommard and 1/3 Swan grapes, with 2/3 neutral and 1/3 new barrels.
My Review: Dark, dense garnet in color. Dark plum and black licorice on the nose. The palate was scrumptious – a rich, delicious wine. Drinking exquisitely. Wish I had some at home. If you’ve got one in your cellar, now is the time to drink it. April 2025
© Decanting Monterey 2025
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