2004 Hartwell Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District
Hartwell Vineyards is unique even within the Stags Leap district, which is our (and many others) favorite district in Napa. Though the entire area is covered in rich volcanic soil, our vineyards are planted on the slope of an actual dormant volcano. Our home sits right on top of the hill at the site where the last eruption happened four million years ago.
Today, steep terrain, rocky soils, and the only granite rock in the Stags Leap District allow us to control the amount of water each vine needs. Exceptional drainage from the rocky slopes forces vines to conserve their production to just a few tight clusters of small grapes. This forced state of stress produces the most intense fruit, which in turn yields wine of uncommon depth, richness, concentration and longevity.
"Grow the best grapes... make the best wine"—Bob Hartwell
Vintage Notes:
The 2004 vintage is one of power, depth, and nuance. The growing season began unusually early. At Hartwell, we saw bud break come the week of March 8. Spring was warm, and this pushed vine growth forward, and it was shaping up to be an early harvest from very early in the season. Relatively cool summer temperatures meant for good color development and proper physiological ripeness.
Yields were naturally low, which meant it was unnecessary to aggressively thin the crop loads in order to bring the vines into balance. By the beginning of September all the elements had come together for a harvest of remarkable quality. A sustained heat wave from September 4 through September 13 accelerated the ripening, and made for a compressed harvest with yields even lower than predicted. Hartwell’s Cabernet Sauvignon yield was down 30% from normal, due mostly to the late season heat and the necessary triage that followed.
Winemaker Notes:
“Petit Verdot was so complex and powerful in 2004 that we made the decision to add it to the Cabernet Sauvignon blend, even though all previous vintages had been 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. While this is a change, it stays true to our mission: to craft the best wines possible that reflect the greatness of this estate.
“2004 Hartwell Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is rich, dark and complex, with soft tannins and mouth-filling flavor. Blueberry, blackberry, and crème de cassis dominate the aromas and flavors, giving way to coffee and crushed stones.” "A delicious Cabernet that managed to finesse the heat of the vintage better than many other wineries. It’s much riper than past bottlings, with blackberry, cassis, cherry and chocolate fudge flavors accented by rich, smoky oak”.
Today, steep terrain, rocky soils, and the only granite rock in the Stags Leap District allow us to control the amount of water each vine needs. Exceptional drainage from the rocky slopes forces vines to conserve their production to just a few tight clusters of small grapes. This forced state of stress produces the most intense fruit, which in turn yields wine of uncommon depth, richness, concentration and longevity.
"Grow the best grapes... make the best wine"—Bob Hartwell
Vintage Notes:
The 2004 vintage is one of power, depth, and nuance. The growing season began unusually early. At Hartwell, we saw bud break come the week of March 8. Spring was warm, and this pushed vine growth forward, and it was shaping up to be an early harvest from very early in the season. Relatively cool summer temperatures meant for good color development and proper physiological ripeness.
Yields were naturally low, which meant it was unnecessary to aggressively thin the crop loads in order to bring the vines into balance. By the beginning of September all the elements had come together for a harvest of remarkable quality. A sustained heat wave from September 4 through September 13 accelerated the ripening, and made for a compressed harvest with yields even lower than predicted. Hartwell’s Cabernet Sauvignon yield was down 30% from normal, due mostly to the late season heat and the necessary triage that followed.
Winemaker Notes:
“Petit Verdot was so complex and powerful in 2004 that we made the decision to add it to the Cabernet Sauvignon blend, even though all previous vintages had been 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. While this is a change, it stays true to our mission: to craft the best wines possible that reflect the greatness of this estate.
“2004 Hartwell Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is rich, dark and complex, with soft tannins and mouth-filling flavor. Blueberry, blackberry, and crème de cassis dominate the aromas and flavors, giving way to coffee and crushed stones.” "A delicious Cabernet that managed to finesse the heat of the vintage better than many other wineries. It’s much riper than past bottlings, with blackberry, cassis, cherry and chocolate fudge flavors accented by rich, smoky oak”.
Always positively reviewed at above 90 points.
Has sold regularly at a price point close to $150,
and it is Now GONE! SOLD!
Has sold regularly at a price point close to $150,
and it is Now GONE! SOLD!