Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.1

I only own a few Hall wines. But I find the amount of wine(s) they produce while maintaining high quality, especially in their higher end wines…fascinating as I commented on @Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego post a number of weeks ago. I generally taste them younger vs cellared. So, when I saw this lower spectrum Hall Cabernet on the secondary market, I bought it because it’s a 2013 and only $35. I couldn’t pass it up as 2013 is a grand vintage and most of what I taste from Hall is upon release.

I corvined this last weekend and unsure how that fact affects opening it tonight. You could make a case for 92 here, but I won’t based on the fact it is a week coravined.

The nose shows a core of dark currants. Ripe, lush and a bit jammy; blackberries, the darkest cherries, black plum, plum, boysenberries, baked strawberries, raspberry hues with shades of blueberries. Melted dark chocolate, fudge, dark spice, anise to black licorice, mid to dark berry cola, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, vanillin, dry tobacco, old leather, hints of dry herbs, dry crushed rocks, limestone, dry top soil, hints of moist clay, cedar to sandalwood, touch of peppercorn, fresh & withering; dark, red flowers framed in lavender & violets.

The palate is smooth, round, lush & elegant. The M+ tannins nicely rounded & velvety. Somewhat softer but still big at this stage of evolution compared to most 13’s I’ve had to date. Coravining might have helped. Nearly identical twins the nose & the palate. There’s core of dark currants. Ripe, lush and just a touch jammy; blackberries, the darkest cherries, black plum, plum, baked strawberries, raspberry hues with shades of blueberries. The fruits perhaps picked a little late-slightly overripe…a deliberate decision or lack of timely harvesters. Melted dark chocolate, fudge/pudding, caramel, dark spice w/ medium heat, anise to black licorice, mid to dark berry cola, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, vanillin, dry tobacco, old leather, stronger dry herbs-bay leaf/sage than the nose, dry crushed rocks, limestone, dry riverbed stones, dry top soil, hints of moist clay, softer cedar notes that transition into sandalwood, graphite, touch of peppercorn, fresh & withering; dark, red flowers framed in lavender & violets, very pleasant, round acidity with a well balanced, nicely structured/tensioned, elegant, lush, smartly polished finish that lands on soften earth, spice, herbs and lasts 90 seconds.

Despite its minor flaws, delicious and as it opens, settles in, there is a strong case for a 92.

Photos of; Hall’s huge tasting patio in Rutherford, Rutherford estate vineyard, barrel room and cellar where they hold some fabulous events in a grand environment. They have two locations, Rutherford & St. Helena. — 3 days ago

Alvaro Bustillos

9.2

Caviar con andrea y benjamkn — 6 months ago

Daniel M

8.9

Night pour with friends. No notes. Superb juice, nice plum and black berries, garrigue, tapenade. Wow this is great ! — 2 days ago

Vino Joe

9.4

Crisp and very new world. Mild modern for Chardonnay. Apricot and hazelnut. Very good. — 15 days ago

Cary Jones

9.4

As with most Rutherford,Napa wines, this is as smooth as silk with a balanced flavor. Perfect for any occasion. — 2 months ago

Louis Martin

8.9

Nice blend, semi-sweet, hint of cherry, paired well with duck. — 4 months ago

Daron Watson

9.3

aromas of luxardo cherry, damson plum, licorice, peonies, thyme, flat leaf parsley, bluestone…and chargrilled quail! a pop of juicy fruits w lively acids and dissolving rich tannins…SO MUCH YUM 🍷😋🤘#BoJo — 17 days ago

JKT

9.0

Outstanding still after 13 years. Terrific Rhone profile with complexity and freshness still. — a month ago

Pinotman /// Andreas

9.5

This happens to be outstanding. Fantastic Gamay from a unique appellation. Tastes more like a perfectly aged Burgh. At 25$ a ridiculous value. Cherry, touch blackberry, hint black tea, soft tannins and mouth feel. If this is still available - I will go back and buy more (rare for me). San Diego Wine Company. — 2 months ago

Diane M. Napolitano

9.7

From Chambers Street Wines. Dry Cherry Coke, some liquorice and vanilla peeking in ⛄️ — 5 months ago