Hoffman Lane Estate Vineyard

As many of you know, when we started making our own wines in 1987, we named the tiny, 200 case operation after our daughter, Elyse. Not wanting to leave our son, Jake, out of loop, we eventually named our Rhone blend after him. It wasn't enough. Jake asked us, "When do I get my own label without her name on it?"

In 1998, we began a new label named after Jake: Jacob Franklin. These wines are a new departure for us. With Elyse wines, we've always adhered to the philosophy that wine is not for the elite, and that wine consumers deserve to obtain high quality, well-crafted, drinkable wines at reasonable prices.

We still believe that and we always will, but we've also been fortunate enough to gain access to some extremely limited, incredible Petite Sirah fruit from highly desirable vineyards. This fruit makes richly focused, highly extracted, brawny, yet layered wines with fantastic aging potential. But the fruit is hard to come by and it is very low in yield. Consequently, the wines are very limited and they sell out quickly. We've also included on the Jacob Franklin label Cabernet Sauvignon from our own estate vineyard near Yountville, which we feel mirrors the complexity of our Jacob Franklin Petite Sirah's. We make so little that these wines are usually only available at the winery, so we're pleased to offer them here on our website as well.

2004 Hoffman Lane Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2004 Hoffman Lane Cabernet is deep, dark ruby in color and has a seductive nose of black cherry, smoke, cola, cedar, and a touch of black pepper. On the palate, it has a seamless entry, with flavors of blackberry, blueberry, well integrated oak and a rich earthiness punctuated by graphite and leather.

This superbly balanced and complex wine is lavishly textured with structured yet velvety tannins, and a finish that lingers on. Enjoy this wine with lamb, venison, beef and pungent cheeses.

This wine is ripe and ready to drink right now, but it will age nicely for another 7 to 10 years.

$80 Bottle   Buy now

2006 Hayne Petite Sirah

The 2006 Hayne Petite Sirah has a dark purplish black color with an intense nose of black cherry, coffee, mocha, smoked bacon, lavender and an intriguing hint of earthy mushroom and dried herbs. Bright cherry, raspberry and wild plum flavors lead to hints of dried orange peel, baking spice, pepper, chocolate and toffee. The wine has a lush mouth feel with sleek balance of acidity, fruit and chewy tannins that lead to a long finish that seems to keep rolling over the palate.

Pair with lamb shank, wild game, veal, beef or strong cheeses. Allow this wine plenty of air, it is drinking wonderfully right now but will continue to age well for the next 7 to 10 years

$65 Bottle   Buy now

2005 Hayne Petite Sirah

The 2005 Hayne Petite Sirah has a dark purplish black color with a nose of candied cherries, tar, licorice, mint, lavender and an intriguing hint of earthy mushroom and dried herbs. Bright cherry, raspberry and wild plum flavors lead to hints of dried orange peel, baking spice, pepper, chocolate and toffee. The wine has a lush mouthfeel with sleek balance of acidity, fruit and chewy tannins that lead to a long finish that seems to keep rolling over the palate.

Pair with lamb shank, wild game, veal, beef or strong cheeses. Allow this wine plenty of air, it is drinking wonderfully right now but will continue to age well for the next 7 to 10 years.

$65 Bottle   SOLD OUT

2003 Hoffman Lane Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2003 Hoffman Lane Cabernet is deep, dark ruby in color and has a seductive nose of black cherry, smoke, cola, cedar, and a touch of black pepper. On the palate, it has a seamless entry, with flavors of blackberry, blueberry, sweet oak and a rich earthiness followed by its signature, as we say “girl scout cookie” flavors of chocolate and mint.  This full-bodied wine is lavishly textured with structured yet velvety tannins, and a finish that lingers on.

Enjoy this wine with lamb, venison, beef and pungent cheeses. This wine is ripe and ready to drink right now, but it will age nicely for another 7 to 10 years.

$65 Bottle SOLD OUT