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. — 4 months ago

Eric Urbani

8.9

Waiting for it to open before rating — 8 months ago

Matt Forester

9.2

Very cherry. Good. — 9 months ago

Ericsson

9.2

Single Vineyard Sonoma Pinot with some age from very reputable . Solid! Cheers. — 10 months ago

Joe Lyons

9.2

Strawberries, ripe raspberries, pepper, earth tones… really good glad I have a few more bottles! — 3 years ago

with Michelle

Aaron Rankin

9.1

Not sure what the fuss is about. — 4 years ago

with Ryan

Ken Venezio

9.4

Big nose, big Cab. Loads of mountain terroir, blackberry, cassis, cola and a fair amount of spice. In a good way, this is heavily oaked. Not sure if Im up against its peak, but this still has elegant tannins and a nice long spicy finish. — 5 months ago

Mark

9.4

Dark dark ruby color, very intense. Great yeast nose with crisp berry fruit flavor. The tannins are well balanced and enjoyable. Paired it with a marinated ribeye and baked potato. — 6 months ago

with Jeron and Jessica

Sipping Fine Wine

9.3

Pale lemon color with aromas of ripe fruits, citrus, vanilla and nutty scents. On the palate complex flavors of apple, peach, pineapple and lemon citrus, well balanced with acidity on a nice mouthfeel. Long finish ending with oak, vanilla, mineral and citrus notes, will continue to age. A beautiful Chardonnay. — 7 months ago

Austin Blackwell

9.4

This has a nice tang of sour cherry and some saline like minerality. Long finish and nice tannins. — 8 months ago

with Angelina

Federico Politi

10

Mamma mia … — 9 months ago

Austin Blackwell

9.2

Dried rose and sage aromas and strawberry and pomegranate flavor — 2 years ago

with Angelina

Rufus King

9.0

Well crafted Paso Robles Merlot served with lamb chops at The Capital Grille in Boston — 3 years ago

Austin Blackwell

9.3

I found a description of this wine archived that included aromas and flavors reminiscent of red raspberry jam, charred meats, and white pepper. Pretty accurate and nice clarity throughout the mineral driven palate. — 6 months ago

with Angelina

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

This 18 showed some nice evolution. Starting to round out and show its elegance.

I have generally been impressed with the quality of wines from Hall. Especially, given the number of bottling’s they produce.

WS Grand Tour Las Vegas 2025. — 6 months ago

Neal Ferry

9.1

Dirty Taste, enjoyable — 7 months ago

with TwiLea

Mark Mannebach

9.0

Very drinkable now. Smooth with bright red fruits and a good finish. A red wine my wife likes with good fruit up front. — 9 months ago

Austin Blackwell

9.3

Bigger wine from P&H. Kirsh, black cherry, and some black fruit notes with plush tannins. — 10 months ago

with Angelina

Jeremy.Buss

9.2

Mix of dark raspberry with hint of strawberry on the nose. Bit is sweetness and slight vanilla. — 2 years ago

Martin Sher

9.4

Bright and punchy fruit, with plenty of acid and tannin to coast into a second day. Very Hall. — 4 years ago