Reviews
- Decanter -
- Wine Advocate -
- James Suckling -
Technical Details
- 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
- Russell Bevan
- US
- California
- North Coast
- Napa Valley
- Horseshoe block of Harbison Estate vineyards
- Sustainable Practices
- 14.9%
Harbison Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Horseshoe Oakville Napa Valley 2019
Sustainable Practices
Multi-Bottle Discount
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We have a tiny but thrilling winery-direct allocation from one of the hardest-to-come-by producers in Napa Valley – and Screaming Eagle’s nextdoor neighbor – Harbison Estate. Their 99-POINT 2019 “Horseshoe” Cabernet Sauvignon is all power and grace...
On the eastern side of the Oakville Bench, you’ll find one of the greatest terroirs on the planet, and naturally, some of the greatest producers in Napa reside there. The Vaca Mountains, formed by a volcanic fissure millions of years ago, are naturally rich with volcanic soils. Nearby, on the east side of Oakville, you’ll find something very special – a red, iron-rich, volcanic material that is unique to that part of the valley. This “red dirt” is the reason names like Screaming Eagle, Dalla Valle, Rudd Estate, and Joseph Phelps’ Backus Vineyard have built their lofty reputation on their estate grapes grown here.
Nestled amongst those giants of the wine world, you’ll find a tiny, 5-acre vineyard (literally next door to Screaming Eagle!), owned by Joe and Pat Harbison. Harbison Estate was planted in the early 2000s and has quietly built a loyal mailing list for their tiny productions of some of the most powerful wines made in the valley today. Three 100% Cabernet Sauvignon bottlings are produced from the estate, and we’re thrilled to have the 2019 vintage of Horseshoe today. This western-facing block, planted entirely to clone 7, yielded numerous horseshoes during its planting.
Rockstar winemaker Jean Hoefliger made this wine, and it is truly something to behold! 2019 in Napa was a terrific year, resulting in juicy, polished, well-structured Cabs. This Cab is a confident strut through Oakville’s heart – aromas of sun-warmed strawberry, crushed raspberry, and blueberry unfold with notes of graphite, cedar shavings, and a whisper of vanilla. On the palate, the wine is both captivating and composed, delivering layers of chocolate-covered fig, wild sage, and a meaty savoriness wrapped in finely grained tannins. A subtle thread of oak spice and iron-rich minerality carries the finish long and resonant, echoing the rugged elegance of the land that shaped it. At this price (with an extra 50% off on two or more), grab it while you can... these will not last!
PAIRING IDEAS: Let’s give this a good, ‘ol hanger steak, seared quickly in a piping hot cast iron skillet and served with roasted balsamic brussels sprouts and chili crunch butter. Paradise.