Technical Details
- BlendCabernet Sauvignon
- WinemakerBenoit Touquette
- CountryUS
- RegionCalifornia North Coast
- AppellationNapa
- VineyardEstate Vineyards
- Aging/Cooperage2 years in T5 barriques
- Alcohol14.1%
Hartwell Cabernet Sauvignon T5 2013
Truly a rarity. If you know, YOU KNOW, but honestly…? Most people don’t. The fruit is grown from the highest point on the Hartwell estate and aged for two years in prized Taransaud T5 barrels. Cabernet collectors...this hits EVERY SINGLE sweet spot today. A MUST at our price. T5 is in the heart of the Stags Leap District, sourced from the highest point on the Hartwell estate, overlooking what is now Realm winery. Ultra-fine, polished, sexy juice, with an enormous aging curve – the wine is truly blockbuster - packed to the gills with extract, concentration, and turned-up-to-100 flavors and mouthfeel.
Let’s talk about a true rockstar winemaker, as well - Benoit Touquette. He is the Frenchman, student of Michel Rolland (who also consults at Hartwell and Realm), and too-many-huge-scores-to-count winemaker here, besides his epically collectible other wines such as Realm, Kata, Fait-Main and more.
Lastly, besides the incredible rarity of this bottling (and our eye-popping price), 2013 is a FANTASTIC vintage in the Valley. Now with a few years of age on it, it has grown into itself and drinking fabulously. Here’s a few of the pros on the vintage:
"...the finest vintage for Bordeaux varietals I've ever tasted in my 37 years of experience in Napa Valley..." - Robert Parker, Jr.
"The 2013s are majestic wines of the very highest level..." - Antonio Galloni
"...one of the most epic and awesome vintages the North Coast of California has ever produced, especially for Bordeaux varieties..." - Robert Parker, Jr.
NOT a cab for the shy, but definitely for those looking for something TRULY special and unique! We have a TINY, tiny amount to offer -- first come, first served!
PAIRING IDEAS: This wine is SO big and brawny, we’re going to go with LAMB. Grind some for a killer burger (with a bit of tzatziki sauce), or ideally, grill up a leg of lamb you’ve slathered with herbs and garlic and red wine and EVOO, grilled and smoked on your Weber. Yum.
MUSIC SUGGESTIONS: Rock out. “The Descent” by Bob Mould from the excellent Silver Age album sounds amazing up LOUD.