Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Vinous
The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Happy Canyon Vineyard RSW is dark, sensual and super-expressive. Justin Willett does a terrific job in crafting a Cabernet that is fresh yet deep, while avoiding the assertive vegetal qualities that can at times be overpowering in Happy Canyon Cabernets. Dark cherry, plum, mocha and savory herbs all build effortlessly in the glass. This classy Cabernet hits all the right notes. Deceptive in its mid-weight structure and charm, the 2019 is delicious now, but I would give it a few years in bottle.
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James Suckling
A soft and velvety cab with blackcurrant, hints of chocolate, and hazelnut aromas and flavors. Medium body. Juicy and delicious. Hints of sand, bark and earth at the end.
A noble variety bestowed with both power and concentration, Cabernet Sauvignon enjoys success all over the globe, its best examples showing potential to age beautifully for decades. Cabernet Sauvignon flourishes in Bordeaux's Medoc where it is often blended with Merlot and smaller amounts of some combination of Cabernet Franc, Malbecand Petit Verdot. In the Napa Valley, ‘Cab’ is responsible for some of the world’s most prestigious, age-worthy and sought-after “cult” wines. Somm Secret—DNA profiling in 1997 revealed that Cabernet Sauvignon was born from a spontaneous crossing of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc in 17th century southwest France.
On the eastern end of the Santa Ynez Valley, the rolling hills of the tiny Happy Canyon AVA produce top quality reds from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and whites from Sauvignon blanc. The region’s low-nutrient soil grows smaller vines and in turn, higher quality wine grapes.