2013 Hayfork Cabernet Sauvignon Field Select
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Tasting notes
Slightly more expensive, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Field Select comes all from the gravelly, loamy soils of the Lewelling Ranch vineyard in St. Helena and spent 20 months in 90% new French oak. Notes of violets, black currants, licorice and hints of chocolate all give way to a rich, full-bodied, exotic Cabernet that has a great mid-palate, perfect balance, and fine, fine tannin. Unfortunately, there’s only 60 cases, but wow, what a wine. These terrific releases come from the husband and wife-winemaker and farming team of Haley Wight and Erik Dodd. Haley was raised on the Lewelling Ranch in Yountville and has been making Cabernet Sauvignon since 2006, and she’s certainly a winemaker to watch going forward. I’ve listed the wines in the order I tasted through them with Haley.
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The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Field Select is mostly a selection of Clone 4 Cabernet. Pliant, deep and resonant on the palate, the 2013 offers striking depth, but in the mid-weight style that characterizes all of these wines. A bit more new oak here gives the wine its texture, shape and overall feel. Dark cherry, chocolate, plum and spice meld into the pliant, nicely textured finish.
The 2013 Field Select is actually 98% Clone 4 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Petit Verdot, coming from the owner’s favorite block of the Lewelling Ranch. There are only two barrels, or 60 cases, so my notes are intentionally short, but this is a beauty. Inky purple, with plenty of blackberry and blackcurrant, some licorice, incense, subtle smoky oak, and a long, full-bodied, opulent finish, it should be drunk over the next 15+ years.