Why it matters
The producer
Olav Goelet began working at the family winery in 2019, overseeing winemaking and viticulture, and moved into his current CEO position in 2023. He is the third generation owner and works alongside winemaker Carmel Greenberg.
Farming follows a regenerative approach with organic principles. Insectary rows, pollinator habitats, ground cover and integrated livestock form part of the estate program, alongside soil study and variety selection matched to vineyard conditions.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
At Hirondelle Estate, a cool, sheltered valley receives coastal winds each day, while soils formed by the erosion of volcanic palisades lie beneath the vines. Founding winemaker Bernard Portet chose the site after a two year search across four continents.
Clos du Val matches different Bordeaux varieties to conditions suited to their characteristics. Hirondelle Estate is associated with Bordeaux style blended wines.
Wines to know
The range in view
Yettalil is a blended expression of the estate and a defining wine for the range. The 2022 vintage uses six grape varieties: 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, 8% Petit Verdot, 6% Malbec, 5% Carménère and 3% Merlot. It spent 20 months in 40% new French oak. The wine is made for cellaring and develops aromatically and texturally with patience.
The 2022 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon adds a Cabernet Sauvignon bottle to the range, with black fruit, spice, juicy fruit and savory flavor.