2010 Hewitt Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon – A Magnificent Wine
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Opened this wine last evening which had been cellared for twelve years. What a treat revisited indeed. The Hewitt Vineyard of approximately 60 acres in the historic center of Napa Valley in Rutherford Bench has always made fascinating wines. World famous for their Cabernet Sauvignon’s “Rutherford dust”, a quality bestowed on wines from this area in Napa Valley. Unfortunately, Provenance Winery and the Hewitt Vineyard label were sold. Tom Rinaldi was the winemaker at both facilities and spent time some quality time with him. He conducted one of the best blending exercises ever and still can remember it 20 years later!
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Opened the bottle up and let it decant for one hour before tasting. The wine on the eyes was a luscious dark red berry, almost black and with heavy viscosity. On the nose, violets and floral aromas waft into the senses. On the palate, black cherries, blackberries and cocoa are the predominate flavors. Secondary flavors of leather, sweet pipe tobacco and black licorice were present. On the finish, the “Rutherford dust” and tannins of immense proportions, jagged and inviting, along with vanilla completed the sip. Complexity and layers of enjoyment are the words that spring forth in describing this beautiful wine. One of the “chewiest” Cabernet Sauvignon experienced and always in my top Napa Valley wines listing.
The wine was produced by the famous and iconic winemaker Tom Rinaldi (no longer there). Still one of the top winemakers that has produced wines in Napa Valley (IMHO). The wine is 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Petit Verdot. It was aged 22 months in 100% French barrels with 77% being new. Wine Spectator rated it 96 points and in 2013 it was ranked #4 wine in the top 100 wines! Wine wholesalers still show a pricing ranging from $140 to $170/bottle but few bottles are available.
Tom Rinaldi is still producing wines as a winemaker and consulting winemaker at Patent Wines and Pellet Estate. I have not reviewed or tasted their wines but hope to do so shortly. I can only assume with Tom at the helm, the wines will be delicious.
The Food and Wine Pairing – “Food without wine is a corpse; wine without food is a ghost. United and well matched, they are as body and soul: living partners” – Andre Simon
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Paired this evening with a seared and BBQ’ed filet mignon served medium rare and topped with Point Reyes Blue cheese. Accompanied by seasoned and roasted Yukon Gold potatoes, Brussel sprouts and garlic French bread.
Sláinte,
Michael