2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, Hoffman Block, Napa Valley

LONGHORN RIDGE VINEYARD, HOFFMAN BLOCK

2019
91 PTS Robert Parker
Yields at this eight-acre vineyard tend to be very low, as water is carefully rationed to only about two gallons per plant, per week. Aged in 50% new French oak, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Longhorn Ridge Vineyard Ho man Block was my favorite of these vintages, being a bit riper and more generous than either 2017 or 2018, with blackberry and cassis fruit. Medium to full-bodied, rich and concentrated, with dusty tannins on the  nish, like the other vintages, this needs time.

92 PTS James Suckling
Ripe blackberries and currants with ground cloves, licorice and bark undertones. Medium- to full-bodied. Velvety and concentrated. Chocolaty texture with hints of graphite at the end. Drink or hold.

2018
93 PTS, Wine Enthusiast
The grapes for this wine come from Longhorn Ridge Vineyard's Hoffman Block in the eastern part of the valley very close to the Atlas Peak AVA. Neighboring vineyard grapes are used in Caymus Special Select and we are very near to Pahlmeyer's Waters Ranch. The vineyard is only 8 acres and is on a rolling slope, riddled with granite deposits and produces very small grapes the size of an English pea. Because the yields are so small (less than 2 tons per acre), we only produce a limited amount of wine each year. We use 50% New Bordeaux French oak barrels are used for maturation. While aging for 26 months, the wine is racked every 6 months and returned to the same barrels for further aging. After bottling we bottle condition for a minimum of 6 months, though it is usually closer to a year.

This wine is very dark purple, plum color, evidence of the rich concentration of this low yielding vineyard. The deep aromas are sappy and rich with supple cassis and wild huckleberry notes and backed by integrated vanilla, cigar box and elegant and supple oak spices. The palate entry displays well-structured tannins which will allow for extended maturation and cellar aging. The wine finishes complete with balanced acidity over integrated oak and grape tannins and deep fruit notes and flavors. This wine is very approachable now in its youth, but will age gracefully through 2046 and beyond.

This is a very serious, single vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. It is a “Cult Cabernet” sold at a fraction of its competitors, very limited as it is affordable and sells out fast.