2021 Dana Estate Hershey Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Napa

*Blend: 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc

*Vintage production: 475 cases

*The 2021 Hershey Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is a sublime expression of Howell Mountain. Located at 550m above the Valley floor, the incredibly rocky, rhyolitic soils of this Howell Mountain site provide fruit with structure and depth, yet the cool climate produces a wine of restraint and vibrant acidity. An underlying minerality gives the wine a particularly distinctive character and provides another layer of complexity.

Harvest started on September 14th at Hershey with the earliest ripening block on white ash rich soil. The team continued harvesting over the next two weeks as different parts of the vineyard reached peak maturity. Chris was particularly excited to incorporate the Cabernet Franc block into the Hershey blend for the first time. It brings a layer of floral aromatics and red currant fruit to the blend. The cooler than average nights retained acids, and moderate sunny days, and very small crops pushed phenolic maturity earlier.

Aromatics of blackberry, chocolate, blood orange, and a mineral iron envelope the senses. The medium bodied palate is saline and bright with intense sweet plums, cherry, black olive, India ink, and wet stone flavours. The finish is linear and precise with graphite and dried herbs lingering. This wine is compact and intense now but will reveal more depth and complexity over the next few decades.