2013 Hewitt Cabernet Sauvignon

This is a brilliant wine from this well-placed vineyard in Rutherford, sitting right on the so-called Rutherford Bench, with a history of vines having been planted there as far back as 1880. There are 2,646 cases of this wine, which is a blend of 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Petit Verdot that was aged 21 months in 85% new French oak. It is a big wine (15.3% natural alcohol) but shows no heat or hotness whatsoever. Dense purple to the rim, it offers a stunning nose of loamy soil, scorched earth, blackberry and black cherry with some allspice, clove and subtle oak. Hitting the palate, it’s clear the wine has great intensity, a full-bodied mouthfeel, superb richness and moderate tannin. A classic 2013 as well as a classic wine from Rutherford, it should be given 4-5 years of cellaring and drunk over the following 30 years.