Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.1

I only own a few Hall wines. But I find the amount of wine(s) they produce while maintaining high quality, especially in their higher end wines…fascinating as I commented on @Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego post a number of weeks ago. I generally taste them younger vs cellared. So, when I saw this lower spectrum Hall Cabernet on the secondary market, I bought it because it’s a 2013 and only $35. I couldn’t pass it up as 2013 is a grand vintage and most of what I taste from Hall is upon release.

I corvined this last weekend and unsure how that fact affects opening it tonight. You could make a case for 92 here, but I won’t based on the fact it is a week coravined.

The nose shows a core of dark currants. Ripe, lush and a bit jammy; blackberries, the darkest cherries, black plum, plum, boysenberries, baked strawberries, raspberry hues with shades of blueberries. Melted dark chocolate, fudge, dark spice, anise to black licorice, mid to dark berry cola, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, vanillin, dry tobacco, old leather, hints of dry herbs, dry crushed rocks, limestone, dry top soil, hints of moist clay, cedar to sandalwood, touch of peppercorn, fresh & withering; dark, red flowers framed in lavender & violets.

The palate is smooth, round, lush & elegant. The M+ tannins nicely rounded & velvety. Somewhat softer but still big at this stage of evolution compared to most 13’s I’ve had to date. Coravining might have helped. Nearly identical twins the nose & the palate. There’s core of dark currants. Ripe, lush and just a touch jammy; blackberries, the darkest cherries, black plum, plum, baked strawberries, raspberry hues with shades of blueberries. The fruits perhaps picked a little late-slightly overripe…a deliberate decision or lack of timely harvesters. Melted dark chocolate, fudge/pudding, caramel, dark spice w/ medium heat, anise to black licorice, mid to dark berry cola, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, vanillin, dry tobacco, old leather, stronger dry herbs-bay leaf/sage than the nose, dry crushed rocks, limestone, dry riverbed stones, dry top soil, hints of moist clay, softer cedar notes that transition into sandalwood, graphite, touch of peppercorn, fresh & withering; dark, red flowers framed in lavender & violets, very pleasant, round acidity with a well balanced, nicely structured/tensioned, elegant, lush, smartly polished finish that lands on soften earth, spice, herbs and lasts 90 seconds.

Despite its minor flaws, delicious and as it opens, settles in, there is a strong case for a 92.

Photos of; Hall’s huge tasting patio in Rutherford, Rutherford estate vineyard, barrel room and cellar where they hold some fabulous events in a grand environment. They have two locations, Rutherford & St. Helena. — 2 days ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.5

2019 vintage. Medium/medium-heavy body. Refined finesse and barely throttled power in a bottle. Dynamite. 04.02.25. — 3 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

Medium lemon color with aromas of fresh ripe stone fruits and floral notes. On the palate fresh fruit flavors of apple, peach, citrus and pineapple with honey and savory toasty oak tones. Long finish ends with tangy citrus, biscuit and mineral notes. Nice! — 7 days ago

Austin Blackwell

9.3

I found a description of this wine archived that included aromas and flavors reminiscent of red raspberry jam, charred meats, and white pepper. Pretty accurate and nice clarity throughout the mineral driven palate. — a month ago

with Angelina

Mark

9.4

Dark dark ruby color, very intense. Great yeast nose with crisp berry fruit flavor. The tannins are well balanced and enjoyable. Paired it with a marinated ribeye and baked potato. — a month ago

with Jeron and Jessica

Sipping Fine Wine

9.3

Pale lemon color with aromas of ripe fruits, citrus, vanilla and nutty scents. On the palate complex flavors of apple, peach, pineapple and lemon citrus, well balanced with acidity on a nice mouthfeel. Long finish ending with oak, vanilla, mineral and citrus notes, will continue to age. A beautiful Chardonnay. — 2 months ago

John Malcolm

9.1

A medium-bodied wine with soft tannins. Tasted cherries, plums, and cedar. Great wine, especially for the price. — 8 days ago

Ken Venezio

9.4

Big nose, big Cab. Loads of mountain terroir, blackberry, cassis, cola and a fair amount of spice. In a good way, this is heavily oaked. Not sure if Im up against its peak, but this still has elegant tannins and a nice long spicy finish. — 19 days ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

This 18 showed some nice evolution. Starting to round out and show its elegance.

I have generally been impressed with the quality of wines from Hall. Especially, given the number of bottling’s they produce.

WS Grand Tour Las Vegas 2025. — a month ago

Ted Holland

9.3

Such a big wine, elegant and 10 feet tall!! This bottle has a big fruity nose with currants, cherries and then tops it off with cocoa. Delicious fruits up front with layers of depth. I agree with a lot of what others have written, just a nice bottle of wine. The tannins are super refined but clearly there. Just sipping it and enjoying the evening! Salute!!! — 2 months ago