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Sacrashe Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
2021
95-97 Points
“The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Sacrashe Vineyard was tasted as a barrel sample. Deep garnet-purple in color, it is a little subdued to begin, unfurling to reveal notes of juicy blackberries, boysenberries, and crushed blackcurrants, plus suggestions of pencil lead, wild sage, and iron ore. The full-bodied palate is chock full of mineral-laced black fruits with a firm, grainy texture and soft acidity to support, finishing long and earthy.”
–Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Independent
100 Points
“The Sacrashe Vineyard was the first location that the HALL family purchased when they came to the valley back in 1995. This scenic location overlooks Rutherford and is set on volcanic, shallow soils which allows the vines to struggle. Exceedingly dark in the glass, the 2021 ‘Sacrashe’ opens with aromatics of Turkish coffee, graphite, tar and blueberry compote. The palate is downright massive and dense, offering Turkish coffee grounds, scorched earth, mountain huckleberry and creme de violet flavors. Finishing very long, this is a head-turning effort that will live on for another twenty plus years to come. Drink 2023-2045”
Owen Bargreen
97-99
“Leading off the single vineyards, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Sacrashe Vineyard is inky purple and displays an incredibly seamless, layered, concentrated style that's mostly potential at this point. Blue fruits, graphite, dark chocolate, smoked tobacco, and leather all shine in this beauty, and it's full-bodied on the palate, with brilliant tannins and flawless balance. It's going to flirt with perfection and is an insanely good wine in the making.”
Jeb Dunnuck
2019
96+ Points
“Sourced from the low-yielding Block 3, the highest and only cane-pruned block on the property, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Sacrashe Vineyard fermented in concrete (85%) and wood (15%), then aged in 95% new French barrels. Despite all the oak, the impression is of wild blackberries, red raspberries and mint. Full-bodied and firm, solidly built, this wine is dry and tannic but with plenty of density and richness, and a lingering finish. Give it a few years to soften and then drink it over the following two decades.”
–Joe Czerwinski, Robert Parker Wine Advocate
95 Points
“This has showy, succulent ripeness, with crushed plum, boysenberry and blackberry flavors that meld with melted licorice, apple wood and a flash of sassafras. Polished and long, with a nice iron twinge through the finish to keep things honest. Drink now through 2038.”
–James Molesworth, Wine Spectator
2018
94 Points
“Enticing, with dark fig and boysenberry reduction flavors pumping through, laced with dark licorice and coated with a glossy toast treatment on the finish. Best from 2022 through 2036.”
-James Molesworth, Wine Spectator
2017
100 Points
“The famed ‘Sacrashe Vineyard’ is the HALL estate vineyard located in the hills above Rutherford. I am absolutely enamored by this very special new release Cabernet Sauvignon from 2017 that is one of the finest wines I have sampled over the past year. Once on the nose, the ‘Sacrashe Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon shows alluring blackberry compote, creme de cassis, mocha and creosote tones that all take shape in the glass. The palate is plush, showing incredible depth, concentration and gobs of mouth-watering acidity that makes this particularly gratifying to savor in its youth. Violets and creme de cassis artfully combine with chocolate covered espresso bean, loganberry cordial, blueberry compote, Earl Grey tea, exotic spices on the palate. Tasted over more than one day, this becomes even more complex and delicious. Seamless, rich and elegant, this Napa Cabernet Sauvignon is nothing short of perfection in a bottle.
-Owen Bargreen, Washington Wine Blog
2016
97+ Points
“Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Sacrashe Vineyard needs a little coaxing to unfurl all the tightly wound layers of black, red and blue fruits: blackcurrant cordial, wild blueberries, morello cherries and redcurrants, with touches of cedar chest, unsmoked cigars, black olives, red roses and pencil lead. Full-bodied, super concentrated and seductive in the mouth, the palate offers a whole spectrum of berry layers and earthy nuances with a very firm, very fine-grained frame and tons of freshness lifting the epically long finish. This should be very
long lived!”
–Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker Wine Advocate
2015
98 Points
“Very deep purple-black in color, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Sacrashe Vineyard features gregarious scents of fresh red and black currants, black cherries and crushed plums with hints of chocolate mint, fragrant soil and black tea. Full-bodied, concentrated and packed with opulent red and black fruit layers, it has a very seductive frame of plush yet firm and oh-so-ripe tannins, with bags of freshness coming through on the very long finish.”
–Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker Wine Advocate
2014
99 Points
“Pushing the limits of perfection ... The aromatics are simply seductive, showing off nuances of crème de cassis, roasted coffee, cigar box and anise. Richly textured and voluptuous, this delivers layer upon layer of complex flavors focused around crème de cassis, mocha, anise and sweet pipe tobacco which continue to build and evolve on the palate. The seamless quality to this wine is apparent, as is the weight and intensity. Decadent, masculine and remarkably concentrated, this is a stunning effort.”
–Owen Bargreen, International Wine Report
2013
99 Points
“As this majestic wine slowly begins to open it releases a bouquet of crème de cassis, blackberry pie, black cherries, anise, black olive tapenade and hints of milk chocolate, all coming together in a harmonious fashion. This continues to impress with its deep, concentrated flavors of crème de cassis, anise, mocha, pipe tobacco, mint and hints of graphite, which resonate beautifully across the palate.”
–Owen Bargreen, International Wine Report
Rainin Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
2021
95-97 Points
“The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Rainin Vineyard was tasted as a barrel sample. Deep garnet-purple in color, it needs a fair bit of swirling to unlock notes of fresh plums, black raspberries, and warm cassis, plus wafts of underbrush, crushed rocks, and bay leaves. The full-bodied palate is taut with muscular black and red berry layers, supported by grainy tannins and well-integrated freshness, finishing long and savory.”
–Lisa Perrotti-Brown,
100 + TOP 100 (Dec '23)
“The 2021 ‘Rainin Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from this small vineyard set on Diamond Mountain. This 8 acre site is set on iron rich volcanic soils on what was once a lush forest. Once on the nose this displays sweet pipe tobacco notes alongside espresso grounds, creme de violette and violets. Very inky and brooding in the glass, this takes on an opulent, pillowy texture once on the mouth that makes this truly a joy to drink. This powerful and dense yet very seamless throughout the drinking experience. Finishing exceedingly long, with heady dark and blue fruits, this stunning wine is nothing short of perfection in a bottle. Drink 2023-2045”
-Owen Bargreen
95-97+
“The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Rainin Vineyard comes from a site on Diamond Mountain and is 100% varietal. It's another dense purple-hued barrel sample with tons of structure and power as well as classic mountain notes of black and blue fruits, violets, spring flowers, crushed stone, and graphite. A focused, structured wine from this terroir, it s going to benefit from bottle age.”
-Jeb Dunnuck
2019
98 Points
“From the highest-elevation blocks in the leased Rainin Vineyard, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Rainin Vineyard is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Despite 100% new French oak, what comes through are gorgeous, intricate shadings of sage and bay leaf, wrapped around a bold core of cassis. Full-bodied, rich and velvety, there's serious power, concentration and length. Impressive.”
–Joe Czerwinski, Robert Parker Wine Advocate
95 Points
“This is dripping with fruit compote flavors, including fig, boysenberry, black currant and plum, while warmed fruitcake and melted black licorice notes weave in and out. Cuts a wide swath on the finish, as tar and warm humus notes provide a dark backdrop. For fans of the power style. Best from 2025 through 2038”
–James Molesworth, Wine Spectator
2018
100 Points
“The Rainin Vineyard is a small site located on Diamond Mountain. Right away you are captivated by the aromas of violet rose petals alongside Earl Grey tea, huckleberry cordial and shades of tar. The aromatic range here is simply magical. The palate is silky and utterly seamless as firm tannins line a massive wall of blueberry compote, dark chocolate shavings, graphite, creme de cassis, loamy soils and shades of creosote. The wine effortlessly glides across the mid-palate. This is nothing short of perfection in a bottle—a timeless Cabernet Sauvignon that will be exceedingly long-lived.”
–Owen Bargreen, Wine Critic
2016
100 Points
“Coming from a single vineyard in the Diamond Mountain District, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Rainin Vineyard reveals a saturated purple color as well as a heavenly bouquet of blackcurrants, unsmoked tobacco, bloody meat, truffle, damp earth, and mountain scrub brush. Just incredibly complex, layered, and nuanced aromatically, the palate doesn't drop a beat and is full-bodied, incredibly concentrated, powerful, yet also seamless and weightless. Hats off to the team at Hall for this incredible wine. It's going to benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and will blow you away over the following 20 years or more.”
–Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Critic
2015
99 Points
“The nose is scintillating, currently displaying Turkish coffee, creme de cassis, dusty terroir, red bell pepper and red cherry compote. The insanely good mouthfeel coats the mid-palate as the entry is insanely decadent. The texture to this wine is downright ethereal. Creme de cassis, red bell pepper, creme de cassis, sour black cherry compote, mocha and Asian spice with tea leaf flavors all impress. The seamless quality of this wine is simply amazing. This is near perfection in the bottle.”
–Owen Bargreen, International Wine Report
2014
100 Points
“From a site on Diamond Mountain, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Rainin Vineyard is as black and inky as it gets, yet offers profound elegance and purity. Cassis, blueberries, liquid rock, graphite, scorched earth and white flower notes all flow to a massive Cabernet Sauvignon that stays balanced, pure, silky and elegant, with building tannin. This beauty is off the charts, and unquestionably one of the greats of the vintage.”
–Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Critic
2013
100 Points
“This is provocative as well as prodigious Cabernet Sauvignon, that’s as good as it gets. This should drink well for 20 to 25 years and is a tribute to the incredible efforts and progress Kathryn Hall has made in such a short period of time.”
–Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
2012
95 Points
“This is a beauty and very much in keeping with the overall vintage character of lushness and super-ripe plush fruit that stops short of going over-the-top. Drink it over the next decade or more.”
–Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
Beller Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
2021
95-97 Points
“The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Beller Vineyard was tasted as a barrel sample. Deep garnet-purple in color, it tumbles from the glass with expressive notes of redcurrant jelly, ripe blackcurrants, and boysenberry preserves, plus touches of black truffles, forest floor, and tapenade. The full-bodied palate reveals quite a structured style with firm, ripe, grainy tannins supporting the tightly wound red and black fruits, finishing long with a lively lift.”
-Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Independent
100 Points
“The 2021 ‘Beller’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes from their estate vineyard on Mt. Veeder, as this is now the second edition of this wine. The wine is a selection of the best barrels from this 17 acre site which was planted primarily to Cabernet Sauvignon. An ultra-saturated color, the 2021 ‘Beller’ opens with roasted fig notes and black currants and graphite on the nose alongside cigar box, anise and allspice dusted huckleberry The heady aromatics brings you back to the glass for more enjoyment. The palate is plush and seamless with serious density, weight and as a massive black and blue fruit flavor profile. Loads of mouth-watering acidity and non-fruit flavors line this incredibly complex, stony, and mineral-laden wine that exudes class. Get your hands on this beauty while you can. Drink 2023-2045”
-Owen Bargreen
96-98 Points
“Another mountain Cabernet, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Beller Vineyard comes from a site on Mt. Veeder. Its deep purple/plum hue is followed by a pure, concentrated, full-bodied barrel sample offering plenty of smoky black and blue fruits, a dense, concentrated mid-palate, building tannins, good acidity, and some classic Mt. Veeder wild scrub brush and savory herb aromas and flavors. I love the overall balance here, as well as the quality of the tannins. It's going to need 4-5 years of bottle age, but this is a brilliant wine in the making.”
-Jeb Dunnuck
2019
97+ Points
“A blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Cabernet Franc from a vineyard high on Mount Veeder, the newly offered 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beller Vineyard spent more than two years in 90% new French oak. It's marked by hints of maple syrup from the oak, plus some slightly herbal nuances of sage and thyme, but the focus is on perfectly ripened red-skinned plums. Full-bodied, concentrated and richly textural on the palate, this tannic but compelling wine finishes long and velvety, with savory overtones of black olives and loam.”
–Joe Czerwinski, Robert Parker Wine Advocate
The Bishop Cabernet Sauvignon
2016
98+ Points
“This beauty is full-bodied and powerful, with loads of black
fruits, iron, tobacco, and bloody meat notes, yet it gains nuance and complexity as it sits in the glass. Full-bodied, uber-rich, yet never heavy, it has fine tannins, beautiful depth of fruit, and
a great, great finish. This is a brilliant wine that will keep for
30 years or more.”
–Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Critic
2015
98 Points
“Very deep purple-black in color, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon The Bishop is a little youthfully mute and broody on the nose
to begin, opening out to beautifully expressive spice scents of cinnamon, cloves, star anise and cumin seed with a core of
warm blueberries, blackcurrant cordial and blackberry pie plus wafts of oolong tea and unsmoked cigars. Full-bodied, rich and decadent, the palate explodes with spicy layers, framed by very firm, velvety tannins and a refreshing line, finishing on a long, lingering licorice note.”
–Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker Wine Advocate
2014
96 Points
“Inky purple-black in color, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon The Bishop is a little youthfully shy to begin, opening out to glorious crushed blackberries and plums notes with underlying violets, mocha, forest floor and truffles plus a touch of wild thyme. Voluptuous, full-bodied, rich and very seductive in the mouth, the generous fruit is well framed by plush tannins and just enough freshness, finishing with lingering fragrant fruit notes.”
–Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker Wine Advocate
2013
96 Points
“This is a blend of the best barrels of the vintage, in this year consisting of fruit primarily from Howell and Diamond mountains, with a touch of estate-grown Merlot. It offers astounding levels of richness and concentration alongside a nuanced approach to bold black fruit and spicy earth, its aromas of blackberry and clove peppered in wild violet. It impresses immediately but also pleads for more time in bottle; enjoy best 2020 through 2028.”
–Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast
2012
96 Points
“The Bishop moves slightly in the direction of more blueberry and black raspberry fruit. It has slightly more floral notes,
a saturated and impressive purple/black color, full-bodied opulence and, again, a stunning richness and texture. Quite deep,
full, powerful and age-worthy.”
–Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate