From Pritchard Hill's own vineyard No. 92. Located at the top of the winery, in the middle of the three own vineyards. Overlooking Lake Hennessy at an altitude of 400m, it is like a shallow bowl surrounded by trees and protected from strong winds and strong sunlight. The cool breezes from both Lake Hennessy and San Pablo Bay to the south mitigate the rise in daytime temperature, making it an ideal field for Cabernet Franc. Aged for 23 months in French barrels (73% new barrels). It has a concentrated, powerful taste and a very silky mouthfeel, with the mellow, well-seasoned tannins and menthol, tobacco, etc. characteristic of Cabernet Franc, overflowing in the mouth, and a dry, long aftertaste can be enjoyed.
Technical information
Vinification: Barrel fermentation and small temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks.
Aged for 22 months in French barrels (62% new barrels). (Barrel manufacturer Taransaud T5, using the finest barrels, aged for 5 years, Hermitage, Sylvain, etc.)
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
The excellent Cabernet Franc finish really takes this wine to the next level.
Pomegranate and cooking spices (nutmeg, cloves, etc.) emerge, followed by flavors of black cherry, blackberry, milk chocolate, black tea, green tea, sandalwood, and more.
It has a concentrated, powerful flavor, a silky mouthfeel, and well-rounded tannins that fill the mouth, leaving a dry, long finish.
It is highly anticipated that it will age for a long time.
Field Information
Pritchard Hill's own vineyard, Vineyard No. 92 (see image on the left)
The plot located above the winery (south, upper slope) is Vineyard No. 92, and this plot produces excellent Cabernet Franc.
At an altitude of 400m, overlooking Lake Hennessy, it is a shallow bowl surrounded by trees, providing protection from strong winds and intense sunlight.
Cool breezes from both Lake Hennessy and San Pablo Bay to the south moderate daytime temperatures, creating ideal growing conditions for Cabernet Franc.
The soil type is called Aiken soil, and is characterized by its bright red color. It is a clay soil made of finely deposited volcanic rocks, and is unique to Pritchard Hill, with excellent water retention properties that allow grapes to grow slowly.
Vintage: 2019
Capacity: 750ml
Type: Red wine
Taste: Full-bodied
Main variety: Cabernet Franc 62%
Blend Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon 38%
Country of Origin: America
Region Name: California
AVA: Napa Valley
Vineyard: Pritchard Hill Vineyard No. 92
Notes: Parker Point 96+P, Wine Advocate dated June 2022 by Joe Czerwinski
Winemaker: Matt Johnson
Vinification: Barrel and small stainless steel tank fermentation
Rating: 90P or above
Cap: Cork
Alcohol content: 14.7%