Winemaker Notes
Rich, textural layers define HG III. The 2018 greets with lifted aromatics of bright Bing cherry, dark plum, and cedar box, with subtle hints of Herbes de Provence, cocoa powder and hoisin. A medley of saturated black cherry, crushed blueberry and cola root burst forth on the palate, providing broad-shouldered, sumptuous texture. Rich and concentrated, yet balanced by lively acidity, a refined structure and will-integrated tannins, HG III delivers an eminently drinkable wine at cork-pull.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Readers looking for an introduction to the wines from this great estate should check out the 2018 HG III, which is always a more Merlot-dominated blend. The 2018 reveals a deep purple/ruby hue to go with a juicy, endearing, up-front style that carries lots of blackcurrant and black cherry fruits, hints of chocolate, spice, and dried herbs, medium to full body, and a plush, sexy, yet beautifully balanced profile. It's going to evolve for 15 years and is a rock-solid bottle of wine.
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James Suckling
Very attractive blackberry and blueberry character with cedar and dried flowers. It’s full-bodied with tight, chewy tannins and enticing, transparent fruit underneath. Flavorful finish. Drink after 2022.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2018 HG III is made from a blend of Merlot, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep garnet-purple in color, it leaps from the glass with open-knit scents of plum preserves, stewed black cherries and boysenberries with hints of spice cake, cumin seed and aniseed. Medium-bodied, the palate is delicately played and refreshing, featuring loads of savory accents to the juicy black fruits, finishing softly textured and spicy.
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.