Winemaker Notes
Critical Acclaim
All VintagesThe base 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley showed beautifully, with lots of darker currant and blackberry-like fruit supported by spicy oak, dried herbs, and a touch of loamy earth. Medium-bodied on the palate, it’s nicely balanced, with solid mid-palate depth, moderate tannins, and a clean, lengthy finish. This is pure, classic, well-made Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon that has loads of character and should drink nicely for 10-12 years.
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.
One of the most prestigious wines of the world capable of great power and grace, Napa Valley Cabernet is a leading force in the world of fine, famous, collectible red wine. Today the Napa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon are so intrinsically linked that it is difficult to discuss one without the other. But it wasn’t until the 1970s that this marriage came to light; sudden international recognition rained upon Napa with the victory of the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1976 Judgement of Paris.
Cabernet Sauvignon undoubtedly dominates Napa Valley today, covering half of the land under vine, commanding the highest prices per ton and earning the most critical acclaim. Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure, acidity, capacity to thrive in multiple environs and ability to express nuances of vintage make it perfect for Napa Valley where incredible soil and geographical diversity are found and the climate is perfect for grape growing. Within the Napa Valley lie many smaller sub-AVAs that express specific characteristics based on situation, slope and soil—as a perfect example, Rutherford’s famous dust or Stags Leap District's tart cherry flavors.