From Pritchard Hill's own vineyard No. 90. This plot is located at the top of the brand's own vineyard at an altitude of 430m, at the very top of the hill. Beyond the summit is the Colgin vineyard, which is back-to-back. Volcanic The red soil of the area is prone to red rocks, and the mist makes the grapes small and concentrated. Aged for 22 months in French barrels (70% new barrels). Rich, supple, powerful and beautiful, Pritchard Expressing Hill's unique character, this wine has aromas of crushed blackberries and wild sage followed by hints of fresh plum, milk chocolate and cocoa powder. It has a rich and powerful taste, with well-formed tannins and a dry finish. Lasts a long time.
Technical information
Vinification: Barrel fermentation and small temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks.
Aged for 20 months in French barrels (60% new barrels). (Barrel manufacturer Taransaud T5, made from the finest barrels, aged for 5 years, Hermitage, Sylvain)
Vintage Information
2019 began with welcome rain and cooler temperatures, late bud break and flowering, and a warm summer with no heatwaves, creating ideal growing conditions.
Warm weather into the autumn allowed for a steady ripening process, with optimal tannins and ripe fruit that was very satisfying.
The harvest was later than usual, taking place entirely in October.
Tasting Comments
I would say it's the best thing I've ever made.
Rich aromas of allspice, graphite and blackberry emerge, with impressive nuances of fresh cherry, sage and cocoa powder.
It is full of energy, with tightly packed, taut tannins and the beauty that comes from the red soil of Pritchard Hill.
It requires decanting when young, but its elegance will emerge after 5-10 years of ageing.
Field Information
Pritchard Hill Vineyard No. 90 (see left image) Altitude 430m
The plot is located at the very top of the brand's own vineyards, at the top of a hill, and offers breathtaking views across San Francisco Bay to Mount St. Helena.
Located above the mist, it enjoys the morning sun but is cooler in the afternoon.
The plot is exposed rocky, so the yield is very low and the fruit is small, resulting in a concentrated, powerful flavor.
In this poor soil, the grape roots grow deep into the ground to obtain nutrients and water, resulting in complex wines that express a variety of elements.
The soil type is Soburante loam, a reddish-brown marl clay mixed with volcanic ash.
Large blocks of rock remain in the soil here and there.
With good drainage and moderate water retention, it produces the highest quality Cabernet Sauvignon.
Once you reach the summit, the fields of Colgin spread out below you.
The soil is similar, but the slopes are different, and the hours of sunlight and exposure to cold winds are different.
The style will also express a unique personality.
Vintage: 2019
Capacity: 750ml
Type: Red wine
Taste: Full-bodied
Main variety: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Country of Origin: America
Region Name: California
AVA: Napa Valley
Notes: Parker Point 96+P Wine Advocate June 2022 by Joe Czerwinski
Winemaker: Matt Johnson
Vinification: Barrel and small stainless steel tank fermentation
Aging: 20 months in French barrels (60% new barrels)
Rating: 90P or above
Cap: Cork
Alcohol content: 14.8%