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By Stony Hill
2018 Cabernet Sauvignon
Background
In 1943, Fred McCrea and his wife, Eleanor, stumbled onto a 168-acre plot of land hidden away on the slopes of Spring Mountain, which they purchased and later named Stony Hill Vineyard. With their love for French white wines and the ideal growing conditions of their property, the McCreas built the first post-prohibition winery in 1951. They released their inaugural vintage the following year. Stony Hill's terroir and climate mirrored those of Burgundy, with volcanic mountain soil, a limestone sub-layer, and a northeast-facing hillside, making it perfect for crafting their preferred style of Chardonnay. Some would later refer to Stony Hill as "America's greatest white wine estate." In 2020, the Lawrence Family became the next family to own the historic estate. Under the watchful eye of managing partner Carlton McCoy Jr., Stony Hill has taken careful steps to preserve its legacy in the Napa Valley, maintaining the integrity of the land and its winemaking style. The estate vineyards remain focused on sustainable vineyard cultivation. Careful attention is put forth to honor the past and embrace the future of Stony Hill.
Wine Details
Appellation: Spring Mountain District
Region: Napa Valley
Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Vine Age: 14 years
Aging: 18 months in new and neutral French oak
Total Acidity: 5.5 g/L
Residual Sugar: 0.7 g/L
pH: 3.75
Cellaring Potential: 10+ years
Tasting Notes
2018 produced an unforgettable Cabernet Sauvignon for us. Even in its youth, the wine carries bold floral qualities from violets and sandalwood, as well as rich fruit traits of Bing cherry and huckleberry. This wine sits forward on the palate and exhibits a full mouthfeel with crunchy mountain and oak tannins. While the berries' essence shines through, you are left with a fresh-cut leather finish. Incredible now and will age beautifully for years to come.
[Information provided by Demeine Estates]
Region:
Napa Valley
Vintage:
2018
Grape:
Cabernet Sauvignon
Country:
United States
Unit Size:
750.00 ML
Alcohol Percentage:
13.80
Appellation:
Spring Mountain District
Wine: 2018 Stony Hill Cabernet Sauvignon
Score/Rating: 94+
Suggested Drinking Window: 2027 - 2045
Review Date: 03/31/2023
Reviewed By: Joe Czerwinski
Tasting Notes: One of several stalwarts on Spring Mountain, Stony Hill has turned out a classic 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon. Scented of cassis, graphite, cherries and sage, it's firmly structured and medium-bodied, framed by ample (fruit) tannins that linger elegantly on the long finish. With a relatively small proportion of new oak and a restrained alcohol level (labeled at 13.8%), it hearkens back stylistically to Napa Valley Cabs from 40 years ago, without any of the rusticity those wines sometimes carried. It's a refined, elegant offering, one that should be cellared for at least several years and then drink well for two decades.
Wine: Stony Hill 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon
Score/Rating: 94
Suggested Drinking Window: 2026 - 2040
Review Date: 10/2021
Reviewed By: Antonio Galloni
Tasting Notes: The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is an exquisite, nuanced wine. Crushed red berry fruit, spice, leather and orange peel are some of the main notes that grace this gracious, mid-weight Cabernet. Readers should expect an understated, perfumed Cabernet with lovely savory character and quiet, hushed fruit.
Wine: Stony Hill Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain District 2018
Score/Rating: 93
Suggested Drinking Window: Drink now through 2035
Review Date: 11/15/2023
Reviewed By: James Molesworth
Tasting Notes: Shows heavy sweet bay leaf and sassafras accents amid a core of gently mulled red currant, raspberry and red cherry fruit. Reveals pretty red tea accents and bright iron notes that run throughout, adding lovely cut, freshness and drive. A very typical Spring Mountain Cabernet. Drink now through 2035.
