2023 sacrashe

The sacrashe vineyard

This extraordinary vineyard is perched atop the Eastern ridge of the Vaca Mountain range in Rutherford. The extremely limiting volcanic tuff soils, high elevation, and unique aspect consistently yield intense earthy flavors and powerful yet supple tannin.

winemaker’s notes

  • AVA - Napa Valley

    Vineyard - 100% Sacrashe Estate Vineyard

  • Variety - 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

    100% destemmed, fermented in stainless steel, aged in French Oak barrels

    Barrel Aging - 70% New French Oak - 26 months

    Alcohol - 15.1%

    Misc Comments - unfined, unfiltered - comprised of blocks 5, 3 and 4.  Planted in 1994.

  • tannin 1-5: 5

    acid 1-5: 4

    body 1-5: 5

    Sensory Experience: Powerful, yet lifted and precise on the palate
    Floral, effusive, earthy Polished and lengthy
    Exquisite density and overall mouthfeel

vintage notes

The 2023 growing season was all about patience.  A very long, wet winter replenished the soils and filled our reservoirs.  Cooler spring weather delayed budbreak and the start of the growing season by several weeks.  Late spring saw moderate warmth and led to substatial canopy growth, as well as a healthy crop load on the vines.  Mild, warm tempertures created perfect ripening conditions throughout the summer and early fall. The longer hang time allowed the fruit to reach optimum ripeness, and resulted in a superb vintage that is fresh, full of flavor, with great balance and fruit density.

Tasting notes

Our 2023 Sacrashe Cabernet Sauvignon showcases the exciting potential of this spectacular vintage.  On the nose, layered aromas of floral and savory notes dominate.  Dense, earthy tannins abound on the palate, supported by flavors of dried herbs, earth, dark chocolate and dark-toned red fruits.  Beautifully balanced acidity rounds out the long and supple finish, showcasing the long, cool, even growing season.  A powerful and timeless expression of our Sacrashe Estate vineyard.

ACCOLADES

98 Points

“Intense, Bold, Black Fruit, Roses, Loam, Lavender, Full bodied, Moderate Acidity, Subtle Oak, Grainy Texture, High Tannin, Ready to Drink”

–Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Independent

95-98 Points

“The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Sacrashe Vineyard is a potent, explosive young wine. Bright acids and beams of tannin convey energy. A rush of floral and savory notes makes a strong opening
statement. The 2023 remains quite embryonic, but somehow not austere. There’s a lot of potential here. Sacrashe is arguably Hall’s best estate site. The 2023 is shaping up to be a fine edition of this signature Cabernet Sauvignon.”

–Antonio Galloni, Vinous

100 Points

“The 2023 HALL ‘Sacrashe’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the original 20-acre, high-elevation, west-facing vineyard that Craig and Kathryn Hall purchased in the 1990s. Part of this vineyard was planted in 2001 and the other half was planted in the mid-90s — which has been redeveloped. Vines here are set on decomposed volcanic ash near Lake Hennessy. Violets, mocha and Cuban cigar notes combine with loganberry liquor and hints of black licorice all meld in the glass. The palate is dense and delicious with sensational structure and a polished mouthfeel. Give this beauty a year or two in the bottle before enjoying. Drink 2027-2045”

-Owen Bargreen