Reviews
-Jeb Dunnuck -
Technical Details
- 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
- Russell Bevan
- US
- California
- North Coast
- Napa Valley
- The Trail block of Harbison Estate vineyards
- Sustainable Practices
- 14.9%
- 25 cases
Harbison Estate Cabernet Sauvignon The Trail Oakville Napa Valley 2019
Sustainable Practices
20% OFF RETAIL!
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On the eastern side of the Oakville Bench, you’ll find one of the greatest terroirs on the planet, and naturally, some of the greatest producers in Napa reside there. The Vaca Mountains, formed by a volcanic fissure millions of years ago, are naturally rich with volcanic soils. Nearby, on the east side of Oakville, you’ll find something very special – a red, iron-rich, volcanic material that is unique to that part of the valley. This “red dirt” is the reason names like Screaming Eagle, Dalla Valle, Rudd Estate, and Joseph Phelps’ Backus Vineyard have built their lofty reputation on their estate grapes grown here.
Nestled amongst those giants of the wine world, you’ll find a tiny, 5-acre vineyard (literally next-door to Screaming Eagle!), owned by Joe and Pat Harbison. Harbison Estate was planted in the early 2000s and has quietly built a loyal mailing list for its tiny productions of some of the most powerful wines made in the valley today. Three 100% Cabernet Sauvignon bottlings are produced from the estate, and we’re thrilled to have the 2019 vintage of The Trail today. This vineyard is located alongside the Silverado Trail and planted to clone 337, and Jeb Dunnuck calls the 2019 “a powerful, concentrated monster of a wine that somehow stays beautifully balanced and elegant, with no hard edges and a thrilling finish.”
Rockstar winemaker Russell Bevan made this wine, and it is truly something to behold! 2019 in Napa was a terrific year, resulting in juicy, polished, well-structured Cabs. This Cab is a confident stride through Oakville’s heart – aromas of dusty black currant, cassis, and sun-warmed crushed blackberry unfold with notes of graphite, cedar shavings, and a whisper of wild sage. On the palate, the wine is both muscular and composed, delivering layers of dark plum, cocoa nib, and espresso wrapped in finely grained tannins. A subtle thread of oak spice and iron-rich minerality carries the finish long and resonant, echoing the rugged elegance of the land that shaped it. At this price (with an extra 50% off on 2+), grab it while you can... these will not last!
PAIRING IDEAS: I’m going for some grilled spicy Italian sausage links with seedy Dijon mustard and caramelized onions here – the fat of the sausage, zing of the mustard, and sweetness of onions will work wonders alongside this magnificent Cab.