Hayfork
Lewelling Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon
St. Helena, Napa Valley, California, USA
Good but still very young at 8 yrs old
Good but still very young at 8 yrs old
Nov 6th, 2020
A few fun bottles from last Friday.
My thanks to @Mark Flesher for opening this as I have a visit lined up with Hayfork and Lewelling during my Napa trip in 3 weeks. I was surprised at how dense and chewy this was! So much to unpack here. I’d say this is fruit forward without being flabby or over the top. Aromatically there is baked mixed berry pie, dark plum, Mexican vanilla and baking spices. Large and in charge on the palate showing roasted dark fruits, dusty herbs, and chewy tannins at the finish. I think this is still evolving, but very enjoyable now.
A few fun bottles from last Friday.
My thanks to @Mark Flesher for opening this as I have a visit lined up with Hayfork and Lewelling during my Napa trip in 3 weeks. I was surprised at how dense and chewy this was! So much to unpack here. I’d say this is fruit forward without being flabby or over the top. Aromatically there is baked mixed berry pie, dark plum, Mexican vanilla and baking spices. Large and in charge on the palate showing roasted dark fruits, dusty herbs, and chewy tannins at the finish. I think this is still evolving, but very enjoyable now.
For as much ritz and glamour that is typically associated with Napa Valley, this week highlighted who the real rock stars are in their community... the farmers and firefighters. Haley Wight is the sixth generation to farm her family’s estate, the historic Lewelling Ranch in St. Helena, originally established by her great-great-great grandfather John Lewelling in 1864. She also happens to make extraordinary Cabernet Sauvignon. So extraordinary, that I’m going to skip writing a note and just tell you that Robert Parker hits the nail on the head... “The wine displays gorgeous licorice, lead pencil shavings, black currants, loamy soil undertones and a touch of barrique. Dense purple, it has a full-bodied, multi-layered mouthfeel and a stunning finish with good acidity and velvety, well-integrated tannin, alcohol and wood. This is a scrumptious, full-throttle Cabernet Sauvignon to drink over the next 15 or so years. 96 points.”
For as much ritz and glamour that is typically associated with Napa Valley, this week highlighted who the real rock stars are in their community... the farmers and firefighters. Haley Wight is the sixth generation to farm her family’s estate, the historic Lewelling Ranch in St. Helena, originally established by her great-great-great grandfather John Lewelling in 1864. She also happens to make extraordinary Cabernet Sauvignon. So extraordinary, that I’m going to skip writing a note and just tell you that Robert Parker hits the nail on the head... “The wine displays gorgeous licorice, lead pencil shavings, black currants, loamy soil undertones and a touch of barrique. Dense purple, it has a full-bodied, multi-layered mouthfeel and a stunning finish with good acidity and velvety, well-integrated tannin, alcohol and wood. This is a scrumptious, full-throttle Cabernet Sauvignon to drink over the next 15 or so years. 96 points.”
Oct 13th, 2017First exposure to this vineyard. Nice earthy quality and balance not over done.
First exposure to this vineyard. Nice earthy quality and balance not over done.
1 person found it helpfulAug 15th, 2015
Great balance of fruit and acid. Oak is tightly wound through out.
Great balance of fruit and acid. Oak is tightly wound through out.
Oct 24th, 2015
Really nice and enjoyable ! Rich plum and chocolate on the nose, also full of fruit and it's also present in the body of the wine! great integrated tannins long finish good juice!
Really nice and enjoyable ! Rich plum and chocolate on the nose, also full of fruit and it's also present in the body of the wine! great integrated tannins long finish good juice!
Jan 20th, 2017
Presently surprised with this St. Helena number. Unexpected spice and deep flavors after it opens up.
Presently surprised with this St. Helena number. Unexpected spice and deep flavors after it opens up.
Feb 3rd, 2016