Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The deep ruby/purple-hued 2003 Proprietary Red H Block Hudson Vineyard (a 500-case blend of 60% Cabernet Franc and 40% Merlot) exhibits a dense ruby/purple color as well as aromas of sassafras, underbrush, menthol, cassis, crushed rocks, and graphite. Although more closed than it was last year out of barrel, it reveals a beautiful texture, an explosively rich style, and a long, pure finish. I would not be surprised to see this wine merit a score in the mid-nineties once it sheds some of its tannin. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2020+.
Rating: 93+
Undoubtedly proving its merit over and over, Napa Valley is a now a leading force in the world of prestigious red wine regions. Though Cabernet Sauvignon dominates Napa Valley, other red varieties certainly thrive here. Important but often overlooked include Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties well-regarded on their own as well as for their blending capacities. Very old vine Zinfandel represents an important historical stronghold for the region and Pinot noir is produced in the cooler southern parts, close to the San Pablo Bay.
Perfectly situated running north to south, the valley acts as a corridor, pulling cool, moist air up from the San Pablo Bay in the evenings during the hot days of the growing season, which leads to even and slow grape ripening. Furthermore the valley claims over 100 soil variations including layers of volcanic, gravel, sand and silt—a combination excellent for world-class red wine production.