2018 HALL Ellie's Cabernet Sauvignon
Critic Review
Thick and burly, with an intensity of dusty blackberry, gun smoke and toasted oak, this wine is concentrated and reductive, with the full force of flavor. Big in style, it has lush tannins that elongate the finish.
Dark purple with ruby highlights, this wine opens with aromas of blackberry, olive tapenade, and freshly turned earth. The palate is dense and opulent with well-knit tannins that drive its unctuous texture. Blackberry, cassis, violet and olive dominate the flavor profile. The finish is long and smooth, with supple tannin and fresh acidity.
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Earth
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Blackberry
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Cassis
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Violet
This wine is named for Craig Hall's mother, Eleanor “Ellie” Hall, who was an artist and a teacher. She inspired Craig’s love of art and it is her artwork that graces this wine’s label. Crafting this blend is an exercise in texture. Vineyard sources are selected for their elegance with tannins that are soft, lush, opulent and feminine in character. The palate is driven by minerality, cassis, and a floral perfume.
Bottle Size | 750mL |
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Varietal Composition | 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot |
Barrel Aging | 22 Months in 70% New French Oak |
Appellation | Napa Valley |
Vintage Notes | This near perfect growing season began in late February. Our Spring weather was mild, and allowed for extended flowering that produced very uniform grape clusters. Temperatures throughout Napa remained steady and warm during the majority of summer and fall, without any heat spikes, making for a long and unhurried harvest. The resulting wines are incredibly smooth and polished, with magnificent texture and color. |