2017 Honig Cabernet Sauvignon Bartolucci

Napa Valley, an hour’s drive north of San Francisco, California, is the most famous and prestigious wine region anywhere in the New World. Although a number of grape varieties are grown in the valley’s vineyards, the area is particularly known for its Cabernet Sauvignon. The classic “Napa Cab”, the archetypal Napa Valley wine, is a rich, oak-aged red with aromas of blackcurrant, boysenberry, liquorice, vanilla and smoky, bittersweet chocolate.

92 Robert Parker: The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon is blended of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petit Verdot, 4% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Malbec. Deep purple-black colored, it delivers great intensity of crushed blackberries, warm plums and black currant cordial scents with wafts of underbrush, cinnamon toast and charcoal. The palate is medium to full-bodied, firm and grainy with a good core of fruit and a savory finish.

The Honig Family purchased their 68-acre vineyard in Rutherford in 1964, and sold the grapes they grew to neighboring wineries. In 1980, the family tried their hand at producing their own Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc, to great acclaim. Michael Honig took over management of the winery in 1984, at the age of 22. In 1987, the Honigs made their first Cabernet Sauvignon. Under Michael, Honig’s direction, the winery has grown from a small “garage winery” to a 25 person operation. Using solar power and sustainable farming methods, winemaker, Kristin Belair focuses on two varietals: Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon. This focus allows her to produce handcrafted wines that are a true expression of the vineyard.