91pts James Suckling

Attractive nose of blackberries, kirsch and hints of dried flowers and walnuts. Full and well-structured with ripe yet lightly chewy tannins and deep, succulent fruit underneath. Intense, bitter-spice finish.

Winemaker Notes

The wine displays ripe blackberry fruit complemented by cherry and cassis on the finish, with seamlessly integrated spice and vanilla notes, a rich midpalate, and a lingering finish balanced by just the right amount of acidity and tannin, and it is composed of 92 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 4 percent Malbec, 2 percent Petit Verdot, 1 percent Merlot, 0.5 percent Cabernet Franc, and 0.5 percent Petit Sirah.

Winery Notes

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.