2021 Dana Estates, Hershey Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mountain, Case of 3 Btls

RP99 The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Hershey Vineyard—from a site on Howell Mountain—displays a wonderfully complex bouquet highlighted by floral and piney accents to the black cherries, cassis and plums that cascade forth. Despite all that dark fruit—and aging in 100% new French oak—there's no sense of over-ripeness, just immaculately firm fruit framed by ripe, dusty tannins and a lingering, elegant finish. There is always a certain amount of hemming and hawing that goes into assigning a score like this, but ultimately I would rather be "stingy" than have readers disappointed if the wine doesn't reach their lofty expectations of what a triple-digit score signifies.

JD99 Another superstar here is the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Hershey Vineyard, a broad, layered, full-bodied effort that brings everything you could want from a wine. Ripe darker, almost blue fruits, chocolate, orange blossom, and violet notes define the aromatics, and it has incredible purity, a layered, multi-dimensional mouthfeel, flawless balance, and a gorgeous finish. It deserves at least 4-6 years in the cellar, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see this be a 50+ year wine.

JS99 Black cherry, violet, red rose, and black currant aromas follow through to a medium body with firm, silky tannins and a fresh and vivid finish. Refined and long, with a polish and subtle nature. Very persistent. Surprisingly approachable. Give this three to four years to come around.