Our terraced vineyards, surrounding the winery, are located about five miles east of St. Helena on what was once part of an old cattle ranch. Nestled into the hillsides overlooking Lake Hennesey lies our 14 acres of Bordeaux varietal grapes, mostly cabernet sauvignon with just enough merlot and cabernet franc to make it interesting.
Judd's Hill is actually three different hills, all with different soil profiles and orientations. The two main hills sit at right angles to each other, one with a southern exposure and the other facing west. Where they join at the bottom is a lovely pond which we use for irrigation and a little bass fishing. The third and newest addition faces southwest on what we believe to be antique vineyard land from the first part of this century.
We originally purchased an existing chardonnay vineyard in 1985 and immediately grafted the vines to the Bordeaux varietals we have now. At that time we were unaware of the danger from phylloxera that the original chardonnay rootstock presented. As a result, the plague began to show up in the early nineties and by 1995 we began a replanting program which continued over the next four years.
In 1998 we planted an additional three acres of cabernet sauvignon on land we acquired from our neighbors. By the harvest of 2001, we should be up to speed with a fully planted vineyard consisting of four different clones of cabernet on three different rootstocks and two clones each of merlot and cab franc. Winemakers say that "complexity is not an accident." So by planting a well thought-out assortment of clones on different soil types with different orientations to the sun and the weather, we hope to attain a vineyard mix of estate grapes to make some dyn-o-mite wines.
Visit the Judd's Hill website.
Our 2008 Napa Cabernet opens with aromas of sweet cassis, sandalwood and eucalyptus with dark brambly berry fruit. The tannins are softer than in previous vintages and an alcohol level of just 14.1% makes it reminiscent of the nuanced, food-friendly blends of Bordeaux, accessible now and possessing great cellaring potential. ... more
BN#448841
Compare to: $48.08 Price:$38.18 in mixed case $36.27 SKUym_440923 |  |
This vivacious vintage opens with aromas of cassis, and sandalwood, balanced with layers of dark brambly, boysenberry, and currant. Once in the mouth, smooth tannins layer the palate from front to back, and are filled in with flavors of black cherry, sweet pomegranate, dark chocolate, and roasted coffee. It is ... more
BN#485766
Compare to: $53.13 Price:$42.19 $38.95 Save $3.24 (8%) SKUym_540128 | |
All sizes are 750mL unless otherwise noted.
Vintages and ratings subject to change at any time.
All pricing and availability subject to change.
Vintages and ratings subject to change at any time.
All pricing and availability subject to change.