Stony Hill Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain District 2019
(Napa Valley, California) - [DM 94] [WS 91]

About the Winery:
In 1943, Fred McCrea and his wife, Eleanor, stumbled onto a 168-acre plot of land hidden away on the slopes of Spring Mountain, which they purchased and later named Stony Hill Vineyard. With their love for French white wines combined with the ideal growing conditions of their property, the McCreas built the first post-prohibition winery in 1951 and released their inaugural vintage the following year. Stony Hill’s terroir and climate mirrored that of Burgundy, made of volcanic mountain soil with a limestone sub-layer and a northeast-facing hillside, making it perfect to craft their preferred style of Chardonnay. Some would later refer to Stony Hill as “America’s greatest white wine estate.”

In 2020 the Lawrence Family became the next family to own the historic estate. Under the watchful eye of managing partner, Carlton McCoy Jr., Stony Hill has taken careful steps to preserve its legacy in the Napa Valley, keeping the integrity of the land and winemaking style intact. The estate vineyards continue to be farmed organically and focus on sustainable vineyard cultivation, while careful attention is put forth to honor the past and embrace the future of Stony Hill.

About this Wine:
Appellation:  Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District
Varietal:  100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Age of vines:  15 years
Barrel Ageing:  New and neutral French Oak.  Aged 22 months
Alcohol:  13.5%

Tasting Notes:
From the volcanic soils in the blocks residing at the summit of our vineyard, our 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is showing beautifully. 2019 was a warm year with late spring rains and a true, dry fall finish. e late spring rains imbued wines with a characteristic freshness and tension, balanced by a generous fruit profile. Bing cherry, cassis, pomegranate seed, singed bay leaf, and cacao sings from the glass. e palate receives a structure showing breadth and presence with lacey tannins and a delicate, persistent finish.

Ratings & Reviews

94 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"Subtle aromas of blue fruit, dusty redcurrants, vanilla and sweet cedar. Medium-bodied with gentle acidity, a dusty tannin backbone and notes of cranberry, boysenberry, sandalwood and nutmeg. Its delicate elegance belies its longevity – this will cellar nicely and reveal further pretty complexities in a decade or more. (Drink between 2022-2040)." - Jonathan Cristaldi (Jun 2022)

91 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Offers lovely red currant, raspberry and mulled cherry fruit aromas and flavors that swirl through, with hints of sweet bay leaf, pine forest and wet earth peeking through. Modestly structured, but with Spring Mountain's textbook aroma and flavor profile. Drink now through 2032." - James Molesworth (Apr 2024)