Winemaker Notes
The 2023 vintage of HGIII offers a bold yet refined expression of its signature blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petite Sirah. Aromas of ripe boysenberry, fig compote, and berry jam are lifted by floral notes of geranium, accented with fennel and a touch of licorice. On the palate, bright, youthful tannins frame a rich core of dark fruit, balanced by savory nuances of baker’s chocolate and coconut macaroon. Aging in a precise mix of new and seasoned barrels adds structure and complexity, resulting in a wine that is powerful, polished, and enduring, with a finish that lingers gracefully.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
Expressive and detailed, with multilayered red currant and cherry flavors taking on rose petal, dusty sage and black tea accents that build tension toward medium-grained tannins. Merlot, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon.
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.