West Sacramento, CA, November 21, 2020 – Baker Family Wines today announced the release of their limited-edition 2018 “Hammrin’ Hank” Cabernet Sauvignon (SRP $60). Baker Family Wines proprietor, renowned baseball player and manager, Dusty Baker, collaborated with his longtime friend and mentor, Hank Aaron, to produce this wine, released on the one-year anniversary of the opening of their winery.
Henry “Hammrin’ Hank” Aaron is a legendary baseball player, American sports icon and wine enthusiast. For three decades, he was best known for hitting more home runs than any other baseball player in history, after surpassing Babe Ruth’s 714-run record in 1974. He also spoke out against pervasive racism in major league baseball and broke racial barriers throughout his career. When Dusty Baker became a member of the Atlanta Braves in 1967 at the age of 18, it allowed him to get to know and play with Mr. Aaron, then 34, who became Baker’s mentor of sorts, guiding him through the challenges of being a young, black Major League player. The two have had a long-lasting friendship, spanning almost half a century. Baker, perhaps best known as a former manager of the San Francisco Giants, Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, Washington Nationals and current manager of the Houston Astros (he also played with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Oakland Athletics, and San Francisco Giants), has carried his passion for excellence from the baseball field to the winery. In partnership with winemaker Chik Brenneman, he founded his eponymous family winery in 2013.
During a wine tasting visit in the Napa Valley last summer, Baker casually asked Mr. Aaron about what his favorite varietal might be, and Mr. Aaron immediately responded that he always preferred a bold Cab. Thus, the idea for “Hammrin’ Hank” Cabernet Sauvignon was born! Baker was inspired, and wanted to name a new wine after Mr. Aaron, as a sign of respect for their friendship.
“It’s been a real honor having my friend, father figure and mentor along for my personal, professional and now wine career,” says Baker. “To name anything after someone that you love and respect shows gratitude, and I’m just thankful that he loves this wine and appreciates how meaningful it is for me to have helped create something so special.”
The fruit for the “Hammrin’ Hank” Cabernet Sauvignon – only 70 cases produced – was sourced from a sustainably farmed vineyard in the heart of the Fair Play American Viticultural Area (AVA), located in both Amador and El Dorado Counties of California’s Sierra Foothills. The area’s unique granite and sandy loam soils, along with above average rainfall, a shorter growing season produce bold wines with crisp acidity. The 2018 “Hammrin’ Hank” Cabernet Sauvignon has aromas of black fruit, vanilla and chocolate. Black currant and licorice flavors are complemented with crisp acidity and soft tannins, culminating in a lingering velvety finish. This wine is made to be consumed now, but will age gracefully for 7-10 years.
This limited edition wine will be available for purchase at their tasting room in West Sacramento, CA or by sending an email to bandbwinecompany@gmail.com. Currently, their wines are available to ship within California, and to Minnesota, the District of Columbia and Florida (with the exception of the counties, Lafayette, Liberty, and Washington). To learn more about Baker Family Wines, follow them on Instagram (@baker_family_wines).
ABOUT BAKER FAMILY WINES
Renowned baseball manager Dusty Baker teamed up with winemaker Chik Brenneman to create an urban winery brand specializing in handcrafted and limited productions wines. Starting out as a gentleman’s vineyard in Dusty’s backyard, the wine initially was given away to friends and family. After a consistent level of praise and acclaim for their 2012 Vintage Syrah, the duo decided to expand their production and to “go pro!” In 2013, Dusty and Chik established B and B Wine Company, LLC, eventually bringing on the Aarons and Thomas and Joyce Moorehead (Auto Sales Entrepreneurs/Real Estate Developers/Philanthropists) as partners in 2019. Located in West Sacramento, California, B and B Wine Company produces and bottles wines, and also offers tastings at their winery/tasting room. All of Baker Family Wines’ handcrafted wines are produced from grapes sourced and harvested through local Northern California vineyards. Their varietals embody unique characteristics representative of the various micro-climates within the regions. They love hosting guests at their tasting room in West Sacramento, where they offer wines by the bottle or by the glass.
How can I buy a bottle of Hammering Hank?