Hershey vineyard on Howell Mountain is 26 acres in total, 18 of which were planted in 2008. It is planted to just about all aspects imaginable, so it’s quite a varied site, although the Dana Hershey label comes mainly from just four blocks. This barrel sample of the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Hershey Vineyard is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon (clones See and 191) and is due to be aged for 25 months in French oak barrels, 100% new. Deep garnet-purple in color, it slowly emerges from the glass with notes of crushed rocks, graphite and mossy tree bark with a core of redcurrant jelly, wild blueberries and Black Forest cake plus a profoundly pure undercurrent of cassis. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is impeccably crafted with super-fine tannins and loads of earthy layers, lifted by amazing freshness, finishing long and perfumed. 467 cases are projected to be made. No Hershey vineyard was produced in 2018.

I was blown away by the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Hershey Vineyard. This is pure Napa Valley magic. Incredible cassis and darker berry fruits as well as smoked tobacco, graphite, and chalky minerality all define the bouquet, and it has a Château Latour-like structure and regalness on the palate. Perfectly balanced, deep, and concentrated, with perfectly integrated tannins, it should merit another point in a decade and will have 30-40 years of longevity.