Winemaker Notes
The 2022 SHV Napa Valley is a Cabernet Sauvignon blend from hillside vineyards. It’s striking: Exquisite floral aromas like red roses and violets bloom from the glass, then come fresh, gorgeous purple plums and black cherries, all overlaying a rich but lithe palate with no hard edges whatsoever. This lithe mountain wine displays supple tannin, and tremendous breadth and length without being heavy. All serious Stony Hill enthusiasts should have a case in the cellar.
Professional Ratings
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Decanter
The 2022 wines were produced by Reid Griggs, formerly of MacDonald Vineyard, Dalla Valle and Harlan, and he brings a deep understanding of how to craft great Cabernet. This bottling comes from the top of Stony Hill Ranch. In a tasting with Carlton McCoy and Griggs, they explained that the east-facing ranch comprises three distinct soil types: bright, iron-rich volcanic soils at the top; shale through the mid-slope; and sandstone at the base. This wine is drawn from Cote Rouge at the summit, the most sun-exposed parcel and typically the most opulent. Here, they achieve full physiological ripeness at relatively low Brix. In 2022, the wine shows a distinctly ripe fruit profile, yet remains elegant and compact, with extraordinary focus, precision and tension. The graphite character is pronounced, layered with rich cedarwood nuance, though without the overripe tones one might expect from the vintage. A subtle touch of agave nectar appears on the palate, supported by impressive texture and firm tannin grip.
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James Suckling
This has a real mountainous feel, a slight reductive edge and a volcanic, earth-driven character, showing dark cherries and plums layered with spices, wild herbs, wet stones and floral perfume. The full-bodied palate offers firmly framed yet integrated tannins, bright acidity and a luscious, taut and nervy finish. 60% fruit sourced from Howell Mountain. Give it some time in the bottle for maximum pleasure. Drinkable now but best from 2030.
One of the most prestigious wines of the world capable of great power and grace, Napa Valley Cabernet is a leading force in the world of fine, famous, collectible red wine. Today the Napa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon are so intrinsically linked that it is difficult to discuss one without the other. But it wasn’t until the 1970s that this marriage came to light; sudden international recognition rained upon Napa with the victory of the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1976 Judgement of Paris.
Cabernet Sauvignon undoubtedly dominates Napa Valley today, covering half of the land under vine, commanding the highest prices per ton and earning the most critical acclaim. Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure, acidity, capacity to thrive in multiple environs and ability to express nuances of vintage make it perfect for Napa Valley where incredible soil and geographical diversity are found and the climate is perfect for grape growing. Within the Napa Valley lie many smaller sub-AVAs that express specific characteristics based on situation, slope and soil—as a perfect example, Rutherford’s famous dust or Stags Leap District's tart cherry flavors.