Sheltered from coastal influences by the Santa Lucia Mountains, this higher-elevation warm and dry valley ensures a long growing season for Cabernet fruit that develops rich plum and currant flavors.
Cabernet Sauvignon Central Coast
To craft this classic Central Coast Cabernet Sauvignon, our winemakers layer together fruit from small, family-owned vineyards in five unique sub-appellations: San Antonio Valley, Paso Robles, Hames Valley, Arroyo Seco and San Benito County. The result is a lush, rich and expressive Cabernet Sauvignon, hand crafted from California’s spirited Central Coast.
TASTING NOTES
Aromas of cherry and plum with hints of violet, leather and saw dust. The palate is full-bodied and rich with flavors of ripe blackberry, dark cherry and cassis supported by full tannins and notes of vanilla and toasty spice on a complex, long finish.

Paso Robles
Hames Valley
Arroyo Seco
San Benito Valley
Central Coast
Ranging from Santa Barbara north to the Golden Gate Bridge, the Central Coast wine region extends 300 miles along California’s Pacific coastline. To craft Smith & Hook wines, we focus on five unique warmer regions ideal for developing rich, bold Cabernet Sauvignon character.




San Antonio Valley


Arroyo Seco
Translating to “dry riverbed,” Arroyo Seco begins in a steep, narrow gorge at the foot of the Santa Lucia Mountain range and extends east to the Salinas Valley. With a cooler climate, the AVA straddles a gravelly, dry riverbed that yields fruit with balanced acidity and tannins, contributing structure and backbone to the finished wine.


Hames Valley
Located along the southernmost tip of Monterey County at the foot of the Santa Lucia Mountains, Hames Valley’s warmer climate promises dark skin color and flavor in its Cabernet, yielding intense blackberry and spice aromas.


San Benito County
Wedged between the Gabilan and Diablo mountain ranges in the rolling hills northeast of Monterey, San Benito County’s moderate climate and cooling breezes from the Pacific Ocean contribute to a longer growing season, yielding firm structure and balanced flavors.


Paso Robles
Once home to farms and cattle ranches, Paso Robles is a warm expanse of sunbaked, oak-studded hills. Due to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, vines see consistently hot, dry days with plenty of sunshine, followed by fog and coastal influences that cool the vines down at night.