1996 Hartwell Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Sunshine Vineyard
Medium to deep garnet red with bricking on the edges. Stinky and savory on the nose straight from the get go. Opened up over the next half hour or so with stoney notes, a touch smoky and soft red cherries. Well integrated and smooth, moderate tannins (6/10). Beautiful aged characteristics on the palate with notes of dusty black cherries, a touch of chalk and dust, mushrooms, truffles, and also gains some aged red cherries. Medium plus body with a super long finish. This bottle has aged very well. Drink now if you like power in your Cabernet but this will keep for few more years.
Beautifully aged wine, definitely gave us a little itch and will be looking for more older wines. We grabbed this specific bottle to celebrate India's little sister's 21st Birthday. No better way than with a 21-year old bottle of wine. This bottling was from the Sunshine Vineyard which is a 10-acre vineyard planted on a steep rocky and terraced hillside terrain. This vineyard was located on the Wappo Hill portion of the Hartwell Estate in the Stags Leap District. If you have not heard of the Wappo Hill area it is the highest portion of the Napa Valley floor and is now owned by Realm Cellars. This juice goes into their brand new bottling, the Moonracer. Stunning little area in Stags Leap District with some incredible wines.
The 1996 vintage is made up of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and is aged in French oak barrel for 22 months.
2017 till 2020.
Price Point:
$$$ - Purchased from Park Avenue Liquor for $65.00.