Accolades

95-97+ Points Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate
“A barrel sample of 97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Merlot, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Kathryn Hall is opaque purple-black colored with a beautiful perfume of bold black currants, Black Forest cake and aniseed with candied violets, ripe red and black plums and rose hip tea notions plus a waft of forest floor. The full-bodied palate is a little closed and tightly wound with elegant, fine-grained tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and fragrant.”

95 Points James Molesworth, Wine Spectator
“Rich and ripe, with a caressing edge to its plum paste and cassis core, while melted red licorice, red tea and iron notes add range and length through the fine-grained finish. Not shy on stuffing, but there's a nice sense of refinement to the structure, which lets the fruit play out nicely. Best from 2022 through 2037.”

94-96 Points Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate
“A barrel sample of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Kathryn Hall is opaque purple-black colored and bursts flamboyantly from the glass, revealing notes of spice cake, potpourri, Ceylon tea and incense notes over a core of black currant cordial, black forest cake and baked blackberries with a waft of dusty soil. The palate is full, rich, spicy and seductive with a velvety texture and seamless freshness, finishing long and perfumed.”

92 Points James Molesworth, Wine Spectator
“Delightfully ripe, with succulent blackberry, plum and cassis flavors rolled together, carried by a well-buried graphite edge and ending with a flurry of additional fruit, while licorice and violet notes chime in. Shows the slight toothy edge of the vintage, but has enough fruit to succeed. Best from 2021 through 2030.”

91-93 Points Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media
“The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Kathryn Hall is plush, dark and jammy, with tons of palate presence and resonance. Medium in body and pliant, the 2017 is shaping up nicely. Red fruit, cedar, iron, licorice, dried herb and earthy notes all develop in the glass. Most of this fruit is from Hall's Sacrashe vineyard in Rutherford.”

97 Points Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate
“Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Kathryn Hall sashays out of the glass with beguiling notions of warm black and red currants, fresh blackberries, black raspberries and boysenberries with touches of rose hip tea, forest floor, pencil shavings and violets. Full-bodied with a taut foundation of firm, fine-grained tannins and bags of freshness, it has layer upon layer of perfumed black and red fruits, finishing long and fragrant.”

96 Points James Molesworth, Wine Spectator
“A beauty, with creamed plum, braised fig and melted black licorice notes that are long and deep, gliding through effortlessly and ending with a swath of espresso, loam and smoldering tobacco details. Hard to resist now, but will cruise in the cellar. Best from 2021 through 2035.”

97 Points Owen Bargreen, International Wine Report
“The 2016 ‘Katheryn Hall’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a show-stopping wine from superstar winemaker Steve Leveque. The core fruit source for the wine is the Sacrache Vineyard as this is a barrel-selection Cabernet Sauvignon wine. The nose is simply captivating as violets and tar collide with shades of blueberry compote and sweet pipe tobacco that all sing in the glass. Soft and plush on the mouth, the wine delivers a seamless quality with wonderful weight that truly entices. Blueberry compote, leather, mocha, creosote and shades of Asian spices all shine brightly on this exceedingly good palate. With polished tannins this finishes long with dark fruits and minerals. While a delight to consume in its youth, the 2016 ‘Katheryn Hall’ will provide drinking enjoyment for twenty years.”

94 Points Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast
“Perfumed in violet and lavender, this rich, lush wine has 10% Merlot and is made from several vineyards, including the producer's stellar Sacrashe. Lengths of red cherry, clove and earthy herbaceouness combine well around plush, opulent layers of tannin and toasted oak.”

91-94 Points Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media
“Crème de cassis, blueberry jam, licorice and French oak abound in the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Kathryn Hall. In most vintages, the Kathryn Hall leans towards the redder end of the fruit spectrum, but in 2016 the wine is decidedly dark. Sumptuous, silky and richly textured, the 2016 has quite a bit to offer.”

94-96 Points Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Critic
“The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Kathryn Hall is also gorgeous. Currants, cassis, spring flowers, and hints of underbrush all emerge from this full-bodied, opulent and seamless barrel sample that has richness with no weight, fine tannin, and stunning purity of fruit. It much more approachable than the 2015 but should age gracefully as well.”

95+ Points Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate
“Very deep purple-black, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Kathryn Hall offers up exuberant black cherries, black berries and plum preserves notes with wafts of crushed blackcurrants, red roses, tilled black soil, ground pepper and cedar chest plus a touch of espresso. Full-bodied, concentrated and delivering layer upon layer of earth and spice-laced black fruits, it has a solid line of grainy tannins and plenty of freshness to support, with a very long finish.”

93 Points Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast
“Earthy, thick and densely packed in tannin, baked plum and nutmeg, this is an enormously fleshy, full-bodied wine with pronounced oak and heat. Forest floor, clove and tobacco figure into the flavor profile in savory, complex ways, accenting the bold power. This will do well in the cellar; enjoy best 2020–2025.”

97 Points Owen Bargreen, International Wine Report
“The 2015 ‘Kathryn Hall’ follows up the scintillating 2014 bottling. The wine is a blend of Sacrashe Vineyard as well as many other vineyards throughout the Napa Valley. The nose takes on a wonderful herbal edge with red bell pepper combined with massive creme de cassis, espresso bean, sweet pipe tobacco and red cherry compote aromas that marvelously build in the glass. Immediately you are drawn to the silky texture of this marvelous wine. The seamless quality to this wine is remarkable as this glides through the mid-palate. Blueberry compote, blackberry pie, Turkish coffee and dark chocolate shaving flavors all impress. While this is simply marvelous now this truly beautiful wine can be enjoyed over the next two plus decades. Drink 2018-2040.”

91 Points Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media
“Steve Leveque turned out a gorgeous set of wines at Hall. Over the last few years, Leveque has moved to gradually give the wines a bit more finesse while maintaining the trademark lushness that makes the best Hall wines so compelling. As good as these wines are, my sense is that there is still a lot of untapped potential for the future, and that is great to see. To be sure, a freakish year like 2015, with its severe drought and heat spikes, is especially hard to deal with for producers who tend to make rich wines, as conditions can easily push wines over the edge. Leveque and his team did a great job keeping those elements in check as much as possible.”

95 Points Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate
“Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Kathryn Hall opens with intense crème de cassis, mulberries and plum preserves notions over hints of Chinese five spice, tapenade and smoky bacon, plus a touch of dried Provence herbs. Full-bodied, concentrated and powerfully fruited on the palate, it has a soft, inviting frame of fine-grained tannins and loads of spice and savory layers coming through on the long finish.”

98 Points Owen Bargreen, International Wine Report
“The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Kathryn Hall gives up terrific complexity in its blackcurrant and black cherry fruits, tobacco leaf and cedary spice bouquet. This gives way to an elegant, silky, classic Cabernet Sauvignon that has impeccable balance, sensational purity of fruit, and a great finish.”

97 Points Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Critic
“Steve Leveque turned out a gorgeous set of wines at Hall. Over the last few years, Leveque has moved to gradually give the wines a bit more finesse while maintaining the trademark lushness that makes the best Hall wines so compelling. As good as these wines are, my sense is that there is still a lot of untapped potential for the future, and that is great to see. To be sure, a freakish year like 2015, with its severe drought and heat spikes, is especially hard to deal with for producers who tend to make rich wines, as conditions can easily push wines over the edge. Leveque and his team did a great job keeping those elements in check as much as possible.”

96 Points Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
“The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Kathryn Hall from Napa is another blockbuster, exhibiting an opaque bluish purple color, notes of charcoal, graphite, blackberry, chocolate and exotic spices, a full-bodied mouthfeel, and a long, long finish. Like most 2013s, it is just hinting at its ultimate potential, but this wine is loaded and exciting. Forget it for another 4-5 years and drink it over the following three decades!”

95 Points Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast
“This wine is made to highlight the vintage and best vineyards, relying heavily on the producer's top-end site, Sacrashe. A hugely constructed wine, bold and brawny, it also manages to be soft and velvety, allowing for a greater contribution of savory elements than sweet, from leather to black pepper to Mexican chocolate. It pushes the boundaries on decadence in mysterious ways.”

93 Points James Laube, Wine Spectator
“Offering aromas of opulent blackberry, plum and currant, this is floral, tightly focused and delivers ample fruit intensity and purity on the palate. Drink now through 2030.”

92 Points Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media
“The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Kathryn Hall is dark, powerful and juicy. Raspberry jam, mocha, new leather and dark spices, along with supple, forward fruit give the Kathryn Hall its soft, succulent personality. This is one of the more approachable, racy 2013 Cabernets readers will come across. Silky tannins add to the wine's finesse and texture.”

97 Points Owen Bargreen, International Wine Report
“One of the most exceptional bottlings in this compelling range from Hall is the 2013 'Kathryn Hall' Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2013 Cabernet spent 24 months in 70% new French oak prior to bottling and includes 4% Merlot and 1% Petite Verdot. This ultra-deep wine opens with intense aromatics of crème de cassis and black cherry liqueur woven together with coffee grounds, sage, pipe tobacco and anise. There are concentrated flavors of black cherries, blackberry preserves, Turkish coffee, sagebrush, crème de cassis and dark chocolate shaving all resonating on the voluptous palate. The silky, bordering ethereal texture yields a seamless quality to the mid-palate lebefore the minute long finish accentuates this incredible wine. This seductive beauty will cellar gracefully for decades to come. A magnificent job by head winemaker Steve Leveque and his winemaking team in crafting this exceptional Cabernet.”

97+ Points Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
“The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Kathryn Hall is largely sourced from their Sacrashe Vineyard. The color is dense ruby/purple. The wine is very young, and less evolved than many of its peers, but bursting with potential. Lots of blueberry and black raspberry fruit with a hint of mocha and background oak are all present in this full-bodied, opulent, absolutely spectacular Cabernet Sauvignon. This is a long-distance runner, although not so much because of the tannic structure, because the fruit seems younger and more primary than some of its siblings. Nevertheless, it is loaded with potential promise, and as Kathryn Hall says so frequently, “Magic.” This full-bodied, classic Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa should hit its prime in 4-5 years and last at least two decades or more.”

95 Points Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast
“Pulling from both the Sacrashe and Bergfeld vineyards, as well as other partner sites, this is a tremendously impressive wine, bright in herb, cedar and cassis, with soft, integrated tannins. Concentrated, it maintains elegance despite the full-bodied luxuriousness, finishing in decadent chocolate. Drink now through 2022.”

92 Points James Laube, Wine Spectator
“Aromas of red candy and candied apple fold over to the palate in this elegant, medium-weight style. Shows hints of crushed rock and minerality. Long and clean on the finish. Drink now through 2027.”

91-93 Points Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media
“Dark cherries, plums, spices, smoke, licorice and menthol all flesh out in the Cabernet Sauvignon Kathryn Hall. Inviting, rich and seductive, the 2012 is beautiful and totally expressive today. Sweet floral, spice and raspberry notes add complexity on the perfumed finish.”

93 Points Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast
“Dark and dense, this is sourced from the winery's own Sacrashe property in the hillsides of Rutherford, as well as Bergfeld Vineyard. The wine has a concentrated and jammy quality that doesn't step over the edge. It offers anise, blackberry ,black currant and dried herb around a soft, rounded mouthfeel and long finish. Enjoy 2021-2026. Cellar Selection.”

93 Points James Laube, Wine Spectator
“Beautifully orchestrated, rich and juicy offering an opulent array of delishously ripe and layered red and black fruits, with blackberry, currant and raspberry flavors, shaded by mocha and toasty-cedary oak nuances. Drink now through 2025.”

98-91 Points Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
“The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Kathryn Hall’s deep ruby/purple hue is followed by a wine with clean, pure, black currant fruit, medium body, more concentration than most 2011s, good balance, low acidity and ripe tannin. It should turn out to be very good, possibly outstanding.”

96 Points Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
“The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon is another big, beautifully pure, multidimensional, textured and impressive effort revealing lots of creme de cassis and spring flowers, full body and long, sweet tannins. Again, brilliant winemaking has turned out a terrific 2010 that should evolve for two decades or more. Readers should not miss this portfolio of compelling 2010s. Kudos to former Ambassador to Austria, Kathryn Hall.”

93 Points James Laube, Wine Spectator
“Offers bold, ripe tiers of dark berry fruit, plum, currant and blackberry flavors, with oak shadings and hints of anise, cigar box and cedar. The finish is long.”

91 Points Steve Heimoff, Wine Enthusiast
“Softness of texture and extremely ripe fruit characterize this Cabernet Sauvignon, which has a few drops of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. It’s huge in extracted blackberries and raspberries, while caramelized new oak adds to the impression of overall richness. Not showing much finesse now, just power, but it should age well; try after 2018.”

92 Points Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar
“Sexy high-toned aromas of cassis, licorice, dark chocolate and minerals. Sweet, suave and pliant, offering a captivating combination of generosity of texture and underlying power. Broader than the Jack's Masterpiece but less sweet in the early going, showing a firm acid/tannin underpinning. Finishes with substantial dusty, ripe, seamless tannins and a chocolatey quality.”

91 Points Antonio Galloni, Wine Advocate
“Sweet red cherries, flowers and spices are some of the nuances that emerge from this silky, polished Cabernet Sauvignon.”

93 Points James Laube, Wine Spectator
“Ultrarich and multiflavored, with a range of deep, baked berry notes. Intense and focused, balanced and persistent, this ends with touches of red and black licorice and subtle, grainy earth accents and tannins.”

90 Points Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar
“Good saturated ruby-red. Super-ripe aromas of dark fruits, coffee and mocha. Sweet and large-scaled if a bit unrefined, with a smooth texture and considerable alcoholic power to the chocolatey fruit. Plenty of ripeness and depth here but today the wine's exotic oak component is keeping the fruit under wraps.”

96 Points James Laube, Wine Spectator
“Rich, savory and full-bodied, showing direct, potent young Cabernet flavors built around blackberry and dark berry fruit, with touches of spice, black licorice, mineral and toasty wood. Very impressive for its purity, finesse and graceful finish. #2 on Wine Spectator's "Top 100 Wines of 2011”

94 Points Steve Heimoff, Wine Enthusiast
"This is a best of barrels blend from HALL's various vineyards, including the famous Sacrashe. The wine itself is lovely. It has a firm structure thanks to dusty tannins and a dry minerality, while bright acidity makes the cherry, blackberry, blueberry, cassis and dark chocolate fruit sing.”

93+ Points Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
“Full-bodied, showing notes of minerality and more dusty, loamy scents intermixed with crushed rock, black currants and herbs, it is a deep, full-bodied wine.”

92+ Points Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar
“Currant, bitter chocolate and seductive oak on the nose, complicated by loamy soil tones. Sweet, pliant and fine-grained, with cassis, espresso and mocha _flavors. At once sweet and nicely delineated; this really fills the mouth. This very firmly built cabernet finishes with superb mouth-dusting tannins and excellent length.”

96 Points Steve Heimoff, Wine Enthusiast
“One of the richest Cabernets of the vintage. Amazingly soft and velvety in the mouth, yet there’s a solid grip of acidity and tannins that balance the richness. The flavors are extraordinary, ranging from blackberry and cherry-pie filling through currant liqueur and milk chocolate to leather. So decadent now, it’s hard to resist, but should develop for 4–6 years.”

96 Points James Laube, Wine Spectator
“A big, dense, concentrated wine, with wonderful aromas marked by chewy tannins, yet the core currant and blackberry flavors and savory herb and earth nuances provide a solid foundation. Best from 2010 through 2016.”

95 Points Steve Heimoff, Wine Enthusiast
“Outstanding for its purity, and the incredibly fine tannins, not to mention the compelling flavors. Black and red cherries, currants, cola, mushrooms, cedar, anise and spice flavors mingle into a long, rich finish. So balanced and elegant. Made from 95% Sacrashe Vineyard fruit, in the Rutherford AVA.”

90+ Points Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
“Medium to full-bodied with a more aggressive structure [than the 2005] as well as a more noticeable astringency to the tannins, but with the necessary depth of fruit and concentration for balance.”

92 Points Steve Heimoff, Wine Enthusiast
“Firmly tannic and dry, this Cabernet, which was blended with a little Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot, is one for the cellar. The tannins are tough and astringent, but when they melt away over the next decade or so, they’ll leave behind sweet currants, cedar and violets.”

92 Points Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
“The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon (primarily estate fruit) reveals a deep ruby purple color as well as sweet, tarry, black currant, and chocolate notes with hints of wood smoke and spice box... It should drink beautifully for 15 or more years.”

93 Points Steve Heimoff, Wine Enthusiast
“What a roll this winery has been on the last several vintages. The '03 is huge, showing masses of forward, classic Cabernet fruit. Just erupts with dark berry-cherry, plum, boysenberry and coffee flavors with a rich, butterscotchy, gingersnap cookie note. But the tannins bite from this hilly vineyard. Best 2009–2015.”

93 Points Steve Heimoff, Wine Enthusiast
“Classic Napa Cabernet, opening with powerful aromas of cherries and cassis, and turning exceptionally lush and long in the mouth. The tremendous fruit flavors and sweet oak come together in a dry, firmly tannic structure that leads to a long, complex finish. Beautiful now and through 2012.”

93 Points Steve Heimoff, Wine Enthusiast
“Very big in tannins, a tough, hard wine now, but what fruit! Rich in sweet-sour black and red cherry, plum, milk chocolate and oak through the long finish. Terrific wine, but should be cellared for maximum enjoyment. Best after 2007.”

90 Points Steve Heimoff, Wine Enthusiast
“Big-time Napa Cabernet, delicious and exciting. Fruity aromas of cassis and blackcurrants are swimming in vanilla and spicy smoke from oak aging, and the tannins are soft and ripely sweet. Lacks a bit of concentration and is not an ager, but a beautiful wine now.”

94 Points Steve Heimoff, Wine Enthusiast
“A beautiful, classic wine that showcases the balance and harmony of Rutherford Cabernet. Has a feminine character in the soft, pliant tannins and sumptuous mouthfeel, but there's nothing shy about the currant and olive flavors and the long finish. Big, impressive, and flashy.”

96-98 Points Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate
“A barrel sample blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Cabernet Franc, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Exzellenz is opaque purple-black colored. The nose is broody and closed, unfurling to reveal baked blackberries, plum preserves and black currant pastilles with hints of chocolate cake, licorice, charcoal and fragrant soil. Full-bodied, fine grained and with impressive tension, the palate offers layer upon layer of black and blue fruits, finishing long and fragrant.”

94-96 Points Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media
“The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Exzellenz is a wild, exotic wine. Iron, dried flowers, white pepper, mint and earthy overtones are some of the many notes that open up as the 2018 sits in the glass. Powerful and super-concentrated, with striking aromatic brightness and energy, the Exzellenz is another Cabernet in this range that really shows off the Hall style to great effect.”

91-93 Points Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate
“A barrel sample, the opaque purple-black colored 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Exzellenz sings of blackberries, stewed plums, oolong tea and tilled soil with hints of tobacco and new leather. Full-bodied and laden with savory accented black fruits, the palate is chewy with loads of freshness and a grippy finish.”

92-94 Points Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media
“The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Exzellenz is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Hall's estate Sacrashe vineyard in Rutherford. Bright, high toned floral, chalky and savory notes perk up the red berry fruit in a taut, striking Cabernet that really captures the essence of this site. Power and nuance come together so well.”

93 Points Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast
“Review out in October issue”

98 Points Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate
“Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Exzellenz leaps from the glass with exuberant black cherry compote, blackberry pie and cassis notions with hints of preserved plums, spice cake, tobacco and bay leaves. Full-bodied with a solid foundation of firm, grainy tannins and oodles of freshness, it delivers a muscular mid-palate and long, savory finish.”

91-94 Points Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media
“The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Exzellenze is one of the more unctuous, overt wines in this lineup. Dark cherry, chocolate, leather, menthol and torrefaction signatures flesh out in an ample, super-concentrated Cabernet Sauvignon long on intensity and power. There is no shortage of intensity, that much is obvious.”

97 Points Owen Bargreen, International Wine Review
“2016 HALL ‘Exzellenz’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The ‘Excellenz’ is limited production wine that was entirely sourced from the Sacrashe Vineyard on Diamond Mountain. The aromatics of the wine are simply gorgeous as the wine immediately unveils crushed mint and black tea that mingle with shades of creme de cassis, Turkish coffee and blueberry compote that sing together in harmony. The silky texture and mouthfeel to the wine is remarkable as soft tannins line this beautiful wine. Blackberry pie, blueberry, tar and milk chocolate with earthy undertones and minerals all marvelously amalgamate on the palate. The exceedingly long finish lingers with black fruits and minerals. While seductive and deep in its youth, this beautiful wine will continue to cellar well for decades.”

99 Points Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate
“Composed of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and sporting a very deep purple-black color, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Exzellenz unfurls slowly, tantalizingly out of the glass to reveal powerful, intense scents of crème de cassis, Black Forest cake, blueberry compote and preserved plums with an undercurrent of Chinese five spice, molten chocolate, licorice and Marmite toast with wafts of garrigue and camphor. Very rich, full-bodied and concentrated on the palate, it coats the mouth with black and blue fruit preserves plus tons of spice and savory accents, held together by a rock-solid, grainy frame and finishing with epic persistence.”

97 Points Owen Bargreen, International Wine Review
“Sourced from the Sacrashe Vineyard, this is a barrel selection wine that shows a wonderfully dark profile. The nose shows marvelous herbaceusjness and ripe dark fruits with creme de cassis, Turkish coffee, toast and tobacco leaf aromatics. The mouthfeel really entices as the smooth texture glides across the mid-palate. Espresso bean, black tea, mocha, creme de cassis, graphite and dusty earthy flavors all marvelously combine in the glass. Rich and layered, this is a decadent treat that needs at least a two hour decant if enjoying in its youth. Drink 2018-2045.”

93 Points Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast
“Complex and high toned, this wine is made from the producer's estate Sacrashe Vineyard in the hills of Rutherford. Bold, full bodied and savory, it shines in toasted oak, sage and currant, with a lasting richness of blackberry and cherry.”

95+ Points Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate
“Displaying a deep garnet-purple color, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Exzellenz has a serious, savory nose, featuring smoked meat, chargrill, Indian spices and black pepper notes over a core of preserved plums and mulberries, plus suggestions of tree bark and dusty soil. Full-bodied and very firmly structured, the earthy/savory, muscular fruit is supported by firm, chewy tannins, and it has a long pepper and spice-laced finish.”

99+ Points Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Critic
“I absolutely loved the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Exzellenze, and it pairs awesome depth and richness with crazy levels of purity. Crème de cassis, toasty oak, graphite and white flower characteristics flow to a full-bodied, perfectly balanced, silky red that doesn't put a foot wrong. It shows the approachable style of the 2014 vintage, yet has 2-3 decades of longevity ahead of it.”

100 Points Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate
“The last Hall wine I saw from bottle was the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Exzellenz. This hails from the foothills of Rutherford and refers to Kathryn Hall’s ambassadorship to Austria between 1997 and 2001. A prodigious wine with beautiful floral notes intermingled with blueberry, blackberry, black raspberry and graphite, the wine hits the palate with a full-bodied force, but nothing seems pushed, cloying or out of sync. Gorgeously pure blue and black fruits cascade over the palate, a full-bodied presentation with remarkable purity and complexity. The finish is a good 45-50 seconds, and while there is significant tannin, the extravagance of the fruit and glycerin generally conceal it. This is a remarkable, one-of-a-kind, world class Cabernet Sauvignon that should prove compelling for at least another 30-40+ years. While an old geezer like me could commit infanticide and drink it now, most more rational and intelligent people should give this wine 5-7 years of bottle age and drink it over the following half-century or so.”

91-94 Points Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media
“The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Exzellenz, a selection from Hall's Sacrashe Vineyard, is rich, voluptuous and powerful. Mocha, plum, raspberry jam and wild flowers are all shaped by the 100% new French oak. This is a classic Hall Cabernet Sauvignon built on textural resonance, power and breadth.”

95+ Points Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate
“The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Exzellenz, which comes from their Sacrashe Vineyard in Rutherford seems more tightly knit than the Cabernet Sauvignon Kathryn Hall. Again, it seems like this fruit source of theirs in Rutherford tends to produce wines that need time in bottle. The overwhelming, extravagant, richness is certainly present, as is the vintage personality of opulence, ripeness and fabulous purity and texture. This dense purple wine is loaded, much like all its siblings, but more backward and a longer-term prospect. Forget it for five years and drink it over the next 25.”

100 Points Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
“The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Exzellenz Sacrashe Vineyard appears to be the deepest colored wine of this group. It reveals a pungent, penetrating, haunting bouquet of black and blue fruits as well as spring flowers. Exceptionally rich with perfect balance, a multidimensional skyscraper-like texture, but no heaviness, this is a tour de force in great winemaking. The finish lasts for nearly a minute. This epic Napa Cabernet Sauvignon should evolve over the next 25 years.”

95 Points Steve Heimoff, Wine Enthusiast
“Made from 100% Cab, the grapes once again show what the vineyard, in the hills east of the Silverado Trail, can do. The French oak was 90% new, which would swamp a lesser wine, but not this one. It's rich, full and concentrated, with excellent structure and balance. Drink now, after careful decanting, and through 2020.”

93 Points James Laube, Wine Spectator
“Combines rich flavors with a deep, plush texture, offering tiers of blackberry, plum, wild berry and blueberry notes cascading on the palate, unveiling red and black licorice and dark berry pie details.”

93-95 Points Antonio Galloni, Wine Advocate
“Combines rich flavors with a deep, plush texture, offering tiers of blackberry, plum, wild berry and blueberry notes cascading on the palate, unveiling red and black licorice and dark berry pie details.”

94 Points Antonio Galloni, Wine Advocate
“The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Exzellenz Rutherford Sacrashe Vineyard is a much more understated wine than most of the other 2008s here, with elements of classicism that balance the ripe fruit. Sweet tobacco, flowers, spices are some of the nuances that add complexity. This is still a pretty rich style of Cabernet Sauvignon, but there is more than enough complexity and sheer character in the glass.”

93 Points James Laube, Wine Spectator
“Exhibits potent dark berry fruit, with jazzy oak, spice and mineral notes, yet features subtle touches of blueberry, blackberry and melted chocolate, ending with a long, full, deep, persistent finish that reverberates with roasted espresso. Best from 2012 through 2026.”

92 Points Steve Heimoff, Wine Enthusiast
“Made from 100% Cabernet, this shows the tremendous richness and concentration of previous vintages of this wine, which was aged in 90% new French oak. Huge and flashy in cherry, blackberry and raspberry fruit, gorgeous, sumptuous, fat, although purists will insist it’s too much of a good thing. Hard to predict its long term future, but the next six years are assured.”

96 Points Steve Heimoff, Wine Enthusiast
“The Sacrashe Vineyard repeatedly proves itself as one of the best in Rutherford, if not Napa Valley itself. The 100% Cabernet, is a limited production barrel selection, so delicious in blackberry jam, chocolate, olive and cedar flavors, it's hard to not drain the bottle now. But it also shows fabulously rich tannins that suggest aging.”

92-94 Points Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
“The newest offering, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Excellenz, is all from the Sacrashe Vineyard. It exhibits a similar character, with more scorched earth notes, fuller body, and even more depth and richness than its sibling. It is good to see this winery finally fashioning wines of this quality level.”

97 Points Steve Heimoff, Wine Enthusiast
“This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is like a neutron star, with massive power packed into a concentrated mass. Just huge in black currants, black cherries and chocolate, almost as thick as molasses, yet dry and firm and minerally. Vast weight and authority.”

95 Points James Laube, Wine Spectator
“Pure, ripe, rich and complex, with a smooth, fleshy mix of currant, plum and black cherry fruit that’s intense and supple, balanced and persistent, scoring points for its pure flavors and its elegant, delicate finish. Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend.”

94-96 Points Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate
“Opaque purple-black colored, the barrel sample of 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Montagna is a little reduced, the slightly rubbery nose giving way to warm black currants, baked plums, wild blueberries and boysenberries with wafts of underbrush, pencil shavings and truffles. The full-bodied palate is firmly textured with ripe, grainy tannins and great tension, packed with taut black fruit and finishing earthy.”

94 Points James Laube, Wine Spectator
“Another vividly fruited 2018, with a long beam of cassis, distilled plum and blackberry preserves driving through steadily, flanked by violet and sweet bay leaf notes and carried by a graphite edge on the finish. Shows nice freshness throughout. Best from 2022 through 2036.”

92-94 Points Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media
“The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Montagna is ample and resonant in feel, with a real sense of textural breadth that comes through loud and clear. Dark fruit, chocolate, licorice, leather and dark spice fill out the wine's full-bodied, dense frame quite nicely. All of the Hall wines are quite powerful. The Montagna stands out for its creamy, racy feel.”

92-94 Points Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate
“Opaque purple-black colored, the barrel sample of 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Montagna prances out of the glass with crushed black and red plums, warm blueberries and black currant jelly with hints of bay leaves, forest floor and bouquet garni. Full-bodied, the palate is jam packed with ripe black fruits and earthy sparks, framed by grainy tannins and loads of freshness, finishing savory.”

91-93 Points Antonio Galloni, Wine Molesworth
“The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Montagna is ample and resonant in feel, with a real sense of textural breadth that comes through loud and clear. Dark fruit, chocolate, licorice, leather and dark spice fill out the wine's full-bodied, dense frame quite nicely. All of the Hall wines are quite powerful. The Montagna stands out for its creamy, racy feelThe 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Montagna is deep, plush and super-concentrated. In this tasting, the Montagna is a pretty rich wine, even by Hall standards. Black cherry, chocolate, licorice, spice and tar add to the wine's potent, broad feel.”

94 Points Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate
“The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Montagna is deep garnet-purple colored and gives up expressive black cherries, preserved plums and crushed blackcurrants with hints of chocolate mint, Indian spices and fragrant soil plus a waft of violets. Full-bodied, richly fruited and sporting beautifully ripe, fine-grained tannins, it has just enough freshness and a long, spicy finish.”

94 Points Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media
“The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Montagna packs a serious punch. A rush of black cherry, plum, new leather, spice, menthol and chocolate runs through this deep, potent Cabernet Sauvignon. Plush and inviting with no hard edges, the 2016 has a lot to offer.”

97 Points Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Critic
“The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Montagna comes from two sites on Pritchard Hill, La Presa, and Casadores vineyards. Deep ruby/purple-hued with notes of pure crème de cassis, crushed rocks, liquid violets, and charred meat, it has an incredible sense of minerality, full body, building mountain tannins, and an inherent, underlying sense of purity and elegance.”

93 Points Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate
“The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Bergfeld is made from 91% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Merlot. Deep garnet-purple colored, it delivers scents of Black Forest cake, crème de cassis and blueberry pie with suggestions of aniseed, clove oil, Chinese five spice and Sichuan pepper. Full-bodied, the richly fruited palate has a solid backbone of grainy tannins and bold freshness, finishing long and spicy.”

92 Points James Molesworth, Wine Spectator
“Well-rendered for the vintage, this lets exotic plum, açaí berry and loganberry fruit splay out, maintaining focus on the anise- and apple wood–tinged finish. Delivers good energy but lacks the vintage's rustic edge. Drink now through 2030.”

92-95 Points Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate
“The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Bergfeld (a barrel sample) is deep purple-black in color and gives up notes of warm plums, chocolate-covered cherries and wild blueberries with touches of tapenade, tobacco and wild sage. Full-bodied with a firm frame of chewy tannins, it delivers loads of herb-sparked black fruit layers and a very earthy finish.”

94 Points James Molesworth, Wine Spectator
“Features a gorgeous mix of red and black currant fruit, lightly steeped and mixed with flecks of savory, black tea and roasted alder wood. A smoldering charcoal hint weaves through the finish, adding texture and length. Serious juice. Best from 2021 through 2035.”

92-95 Points Antonio Galloni, Wine Spectator
“The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Bergfeld, from Hall's home vineyard, is a terrific expression of this sector of St. Helena. Floral notes and a host of sweet red cherry, raspberry fruit make a strong first impression. Silky tannins add to the wine's gracious, inviting personality. Rich in flavor and also light on its feet, the Bergfeld is another superb wine from Hall.”

93-95 Points Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
“The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Bergfeld is a stunner. Beautiful graphite, spring flowers, blueberry and blackberry fruit, full-bodied opulence, stunning purity and a terrific presence on the palate with no heaviness make for a profound and gorgeous Cabernet Sauvignon to drink over the next 20 years, although it will be absolutely sensational after bottling.”

93-95+ Points Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Critic
“Possessing considerable elegance and purity in its blackberry, black cherry (and even some blueberry) fruit, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Bergfeld opens nicely in the glass and gives up more graphite, spicy oak, and licorice aromatics. It's concentrated, medium to full-bodied, beautifully focused and pure on the palate, with enough structure to warrant 5-6 years of bottle age.”

91-94 Points Antonio Galloni, Wine Spectator
“The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Bergfeld, from Hall's St. Helena vineyard, is deep, powerful and intense, with a solid core of fruit and notable mid-palate depth. This is one of the juicier wines in the lineup, although there is plenty of aromatic brightness that adds lift to the expressive dark red and purplish-hued stone fruits. Radiant and inviting, the 2015 will likely drink well with minimal cellaring.”

95 Points Owen Bargreen, International Wine Report
“Sourced from the 20 acre property at HALL, this wine is largely Cabernet Sauvignon with a touch of Merlot. Some vines on this property go back to the 1870s. The wine begins with deep aromas of graphite, Turkish coffee, blackberry compote and wonderful tannins. The silky texture and purity of fruit provides the mouth a wonderful smoothness. This is a monster that needs time to fully amalgamate. If enjoying in its youth, be sure to give this at least a two to three hour decant. Drink 2019-2040.”

96 Points Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast
“Smoke and oak commingle on the nose of this bright, crisply underwritten red, with 7% Merlot. Vibrant in red cherry, red licorice and cassis, the flavors are highlighted along a carpet of velvety texture and serious power. Enjoyable now, this should also be lovely and in full grasp of its grace from 2024–2034.”

93 Points James Laube, Wine Spectator
“Pure and perfumed, with a rich mix of plum, blackberry, blueberry and raspberry flavors, offering zesty acidity and ripe tannins that give the elements traction and finesse. Ends with a dash of heat. Drink now through 2032.”

94+ Points Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
“The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Bergfeld, which comes from a vineyard in St. Helena, has a softer underbelly than the two mountain Cabs, but beautiful blueberry and blackberry fruit, floral notes, silky tannins, and a nice plush mouthfeel that builds incrementally. This full-bodied, luscious wine should drink well in its first 15-20 years of life.”

90-93 Points Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media
“The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Bergfeld emerges from a site on the St. Helena valley floor, right behind the winery and tasting room facility. Today, the tannins are especially dominant, while the radiance and layered personality that is typical of this wine is not especially apparent. It will be interesting to see how the Bergfeld shows after bottling. In this tasting it comes across as not fully formed.”

96 Points Owen Bargreen, International Wine Report
“This Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from the Hall's estate 14 acre vineyard, which is planted to Cabernet and Merlot. As this wine begins to open it releases aromatics of black cherries, pipe tobacco, tar, green olive and eucalyptus. On the palate there are delicious flavors of black cherry, anise, crème de cassis, wild blackberry pie and mocha with graphite. The silky mouthfeel and richness contributes this wonderful textural experience, as the wine captures the ripe, concentrated flavors from this great vintage in Napa Valley. The range of aromatics, flavors and textural experience is exquisite. (Best 2016-2035).”

93 Points James Laube, Wine Spectator
“Offers pure, rich, explosive fruit, with tiers of blackberry, wild berry, cherry and spice flavors, delivering touches of black licorice and cedary oak. Glides along with a touch of toasty oak and espresso, tightening on the finish. Drink now through 2027.”

95 Points Owen Bargreen, International Wine Report
“The 2012 'Bergfeld' Cabernet Saivignon is one of their most expressive bottlings in this impressive range from Hall. This balanced and rich Cabernet begins with aromatics of black fruits, creme de cassis, mocha, anise and hints of dill. On the palate this is full-bodied and voluptous, giving way to concentrated flavors of blackberry pie, creme de cassis, mocha and anise all coming together and resonating through the wine. Overall, this is an outrageously compelling Cabernet that will cellar beautifully for many decades. (Best 2018-2040).”

89-91 Points Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
“The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Bergfeld offers an attractive blackberry-scented bouquet as well as jammy sweet fruit. I was surprised by the degree of ripeness, richness and personality it possessed for a 2011. It should drink well for a decade.”

92 Points Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast
“Bergfeld is named for the winery's historic owner and the land he originally planted around the winery in 1873. Given to old-world airs, the wine is chalky in black fruit, tobacco, and mocha, as well as soft, substantial tannins. Generous in juiciness and structure, it has an herbal quality on the finish.”

95 Points Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
“Big, classic St. Helena Cabernet, the powerful 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Bergfeld possesses a glorious bouquet of creme de cassis and kirsch, layers of fruit and power, wonderful purity and a long, full-bodied, voluptuous finish. This is another dazzling Cabernet Sauvignon from proprietress Kathryn Hall that should age for 20-25 years.”

93 Points James Laube, Wine Spectator
“Pleasantly earthy, dense and concentrated, with a tight core of dark berry, cedar, tobacco leaf and dried herb, tilting toward extracted tannins on the finish, but it all works quite well. Drink now through 2025.”

91 Points Steve Heimoff, Wine Enthusiast
“This is a beautiful wine that’s a classic example of a high-alcohol style that retains balance. It’s soft and mellow, with a warmth that conveys the most delicious black raspberry, chocolate, espresso and spice flavors. Blended with Merlot, it’s a sexy wine to drink now and over the next eight years.”

91 Points Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar
“Redcurrant, tobacco, mocha and a hint of cola on the expressive, slightly high-toned, oaky nose. Plush, round and fine-grained, with very sweet, creamy flavors of currant, sassafras, chocolate and spicy oak. A bit aggressive but open-knit; the smooth tannins will not get in the way of early drinking.”

93 Points Antonio Galloni, Wine Advocate
“Arguably the best of Hall’s 2009s, the Cabernet Sauvignon Bergfeld flows effortlessly from the glass. Sweet red berries, mint and wild flowers all come alive in the glass. The 2009 naturally doesn’t have the structure or broad shoulders of the 2010, but instead it brings with it plenty of elegance and silkiness, not to mention tons of near-term appeal. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019.”

94 Points James Laube, Wine Spectator
“Exhibits a rich, opulent, expressive mix of black cherry, blueberry, savory herb, cedar and crushed rock flavors. Impressively focused, showing depth, length and persistence. Best from 2013 through 2027.”

94 Points Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
“The 2008 Bergfeld Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the more opulent, silky wines, with impressive levels of black currant, black cherry and licorice-infused fruit, with some toasty oak and spice box in the background. Elegant yet powerful, pure and velvety, it can be drunk over the next 15 or more years.”

90+ Points Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
“Possesses an opaque purple color, full body, and tons of concentration and sweetness.. Everything is here...”

92 Points James Laube, Wine Spectator
“A firm, robust style, dense and chewy, showing concentrated, focused currant, mineral, graphite, cedary oak and black licorice, with a dash of blackberry. Full-bodied, intense and persistent, with a long, complex finish.”

93 Points Steve Heimoff, Wine Enthusiast
“From vineyards in the St. Helena appellation comes this soft rich wine. It brims with spicy flavors of cherries, currants, chocolate and cedar, wrapped into softly melted tannins. Decadently good, and probably at its best soon.”

95 Points Steve Heimoff, Wine Enthusiast
“This is one of those Napa Cabs that tastes glamorous. Even people who know little about wine will taste it and go, Wow. And the longer it sits in the glass and airs, the better it gets. Bone dry, soft and smooth, it shows luscious black currant, plum, sage, spice and cedar flavors, wrapped into finely ground tannins that will enable it to age for a decade.”

93 Points James Laube, Wine Spectator
“Impeccably balanced and sumptuous, this is supple, ripe and juicy, with complex plum, black cherry, raspberry, black olive and savory cigar box spices. Full-bodied, elegant and polished. Long and complex on the finish.”

95 Points James Molesworth, Wine Spectator
“Packed with cassis and plum and blackberry compote flavors, this is seemingly ready to burst with fruit, though it's all harnessed nicely with sleek graphite and mulling spice notes that add definition and length while the finish cruises through, supported by warm earth and roasted alder. A big wine with admirable purity to its hefty fruit core. Best from 2022 through 2038.”

95-97 Points Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate
“The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Diamond Mountain is a barrel sample blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot. Opaque purple-black colored, it offers up bold black currants, boysenberries, kirsch and black raspberry scents with hints of violets, cedar chest and yeast extract plus a waft of crushed rocks. The palate is full-bodied, firm and rugged in the mouth with prominent yet ripe tannins and loads of muscular fruit, finishing long and earthy.”

93-95 Points Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media
“A captivating wine, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon (Diamond Mountain) offers tons of aromatic nuance and plenty of structure. Iron, smoke, tar, dried flowers, spice and inky fruit are all laced with striking mineral and savory undertones that add shades of complexity. Readers will find a gorgeous, super-expressive Cabernet bursting at the seams with Diamond Mountain character.”

91+ Points Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate
“ Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Diamond Mountain has a deep garnet-purple color, leading with notions of black cherry compote, redcurrant jelly and warm cassis plus suggestions of beef drippings, tar and star anise. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers a good core of muscular black fruit with a sturdy frame of grainy tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing on an earthy note.”

98+ Points Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Critic
“The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Diamond Mountain comes from the northern, warmer end of the appellation and has a saturated purple color as well a stunning bouquet of blackcurrants, lavender, rare meat, iodine, and unsmoked tobacco. Deep, full-bodied, and beautifully concentrated, it hits the palate with an expansive, sexy texture, building tannins, and a monster of a finish. It's going to benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and cruise for 25-30 years in cool cellars.”

95 Points Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media
“The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Diamond Mountain is one of the more distinctive wines in this range from Hall. Bold, racy aromatics make a strong opening statement. Ripe dark cherry, plum, juniper berry, black pepper, dried flowers and exotic spices all give the 2016 a decidedly savory profile that is utterly beguiling.”

93 Points Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate
“The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Diamond Mountain is deep garnet-purple colored and reveals earth-inspired notions of tilled soil, truffles, mossy bark and crushed rocks over a core of warm blackberries, cassis and plum preserves. Full-bodied, the palate has lovely ripe, rounded tannins and plenty of freshness to support the generous black fruits, finishing with a peppery kick.”

96+ Points Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate
“Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Diamond Mountain opens with expressive crème de cassis, mocha and tilled soil notes with hints of blueberry compote, dried bay leaves and truffles, plus a touch of black olives. Big, voluptuous, full-bodied and full-on sexy in the mouth, it struts a lot of spicy fruit with plush tannins and just enough freshness, finishing with great length.”

94 Points Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Critic
“Tasted out of bottle, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Diamond Mountain is another black/blue colored beauty that gives up a sweet bouquet of plums, blueberries, lots of gravelly minerality and hints of chocolate. It's rich, full-bodied and opulent on the palate, has tons of tannin and is balanced and long. Give bottles 4-5 years and drink through 2045.”

93 Points James Laube, Wine Spectator
“Cabernet Sauvignon (Diamond Mountain) is another superappealing wine from Hall. A decidedly ample, large-scaled wine, the Diamond Mountain Cabernet packs a real punch, with dense, packed fruit and huge swaths of tannin that take turns in driving the balance. Give this explosive Cabernet at least a few years in bottle to be at its best. I imagine the tannins will always remain a bit grainy in texture. A comparison with the 2016 is quite illustrative of the personalities of the two vintages.”

92 Points Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media
“Big, sturdy and immense, with tiers of complex flavor built around cedar, dark berry, tobacco leaf and dried herb, ending with a sense of gusto. Drink now through 2030.”

97+ Points Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
“The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Diamond Mountain is a blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Merlot. Opaque purple, it offers up beautiful notes of chocolate, espresso, blackberry and cassis. The wine hits the palate with a gush of deliciously pure, unctuously textured fruit and offers up full body, a multi-layered mouthfeel, and a long, long finish, nearly disguising some serious structure and tannin. This is a gorgeous, classic Diamond Mountain wine to drink over the next 25-30+ years.”

96 Points Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast
“Deliciously crafted and full-bodied ripe, this shows dense layers of blackberry and blueberry crumble succulence and richness, well-etched flavors that are wrapped in soft integrated oak. Juicy and earthy, it offers length and breadth, the tannins roundly structured. Memorable seasonings include chocolate and clove. Enjoy best 2024–2034.”

95 Points Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Critic
“The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Diamond Mountain (94% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Merlot) is sensational, and while not the biggest or richest wine in the line, offers gorgeous purity and a huge hit of sweet, opulent fruit. Currants, roasted herbs, chocolate, cedar and loamy earth notes all flow to a full-bodied, ripe, polished beauty that shows the forward, finesse-driven style of the vintage. Drink it anytime over the coming 20 years.”

91 Points James Laube, Wine Spectator
“Rich and extracted, with dark berry, fresh earth, graphite and anise notes. Though the tannins are pebbly and chewy, there's plenty here to sink your teeth into now and for the next decade. Drink now through 2031.”

92 Points Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media
“The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon (Diamond Mountain) presents an attractive interplay of mountain structure, Hall richness and the savory, mineral-driven tension that is such a signature of these sites. Sweet tobacco, earthiness, licorice, leather and black cherry are laced into the mid-weight finish.”

96 Points Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
“Another of the artisan collection series, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Diamond Mountain District is another wine of great purity and expression. The wine has loads of intense blueberry and blackberry fruit, while licorice, graphite, spice box and pen ink are all present in this complex multi-dimensional wine. It is full-bodied, pure, rich and a tour de force in this great vintage. Drink it over the next 25-30 years.”

96 Points Owen Bargreen, International Wine Report
“The 2013 HALL 'Diamond Mountain' Cabernet is one of their most expressive and captivating bottlings in this vintage. This incredible Cabernet Sauvignon begins with seductive aromatics of dark fruits, cassis, anise, Turkish coffee and milk chocolate. It continues to impress on the palate with deep and extracted flavors of wild blackberry pie, creme de cassis, Turkish coffee and anise. This is exceedingly good with its opulent fruit and rich, opulent texture which carries on through the long, voluptous finish. Like many of these 2013 releases, the wine will benefit from some short-term cellaring, but will also age gracefully for many years to come. (Best 2018-2035).”

93 Points James Laube, Wine Spectator
“Offers tiers of zesty wild berry and blackberry flavors, shaded by spicy oak, anise, black licorice and currant notes. The ending is plush and layered, maintaining focus and gaining persistence. Drink now through 2029.”

92 Points Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media
“Firm beams of underlying tannin give the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Diamond Mountain much of its energy, drive and precision. Savory and mineral notes are all pushed forward, while fruit is more in the background relative to the other wines in the range, although as a group, the Hall Cabernets are always intensely fruit-driven. Graphite, smoke and earthy notes inform the virile, imposing finish.”

94 Points Virginie Boone, Wine enthusiast
“Juicy black cherry and vanilla wrap around sizable mountain tannin making for a full-bodied experience of tobacco, clove and tar. Chocolate and dust round out the profile of a wine with prolific power and structure, along with a bright, fresh finish. Drink now through 2022.”

94 Points James Laube, Wine Spectator
“Aromas of dill and roasted herb join a chorus of red and dark fruit in this supple, harmonious effort. Hints of cedar, black licorice and dusty, rocky earth join the mix. Ends with a long, full finish. Drink now through 2029.”

93+ Points Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
“The other wine from Hall's Artisan Collection is the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Diamond Mountain District. A simpler, backward, foreboding style of Cabernet Sauvignon, the mountain elevation gives the wine more structure, masculinity and tannin. The color is a dense purple, the wine less forthcoming and showy compared to the other cuvées from Kathryn Hall, but still impressive. Rich, full-bodied and built for 15-20 years of longevity.”

92-94 Points Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media
“Graphite, ash, smoke, incense and licorice all jump from the glass in the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Diamond Mountain District, a wine that is full of aromatic complexity, nuance and structure. The typical, rich lush Hall fruit is there, coupled with plenty of underlying grip and tons of Diamond Mountain personality. A brooding, backward wine, the 2012 is going to need time to soften.”

90 Points Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar
“Bright, medium ruby-red. Aromas of plum, blackberry, spices, herbs and peppery licorice. Supple and nicely concentrated, with dark fruit and mocha flavors lifted but not overwhelmed by a peppery element. Has good ripeness and mid-palate texture to support its fairly serious tannic spine. Savory on the finish in a Medoc way.”

96 Points Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
“The inky purple-colored 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Diamond Mountain offers lots of blueberry, blackberry and forest floor aromas, a full, deep and expansive personality with layers of blue and black fruit flavors, abundant glycerin, good acidity, and a full-bodied, exceptionally pure, brilliantly textured finish. This stunning Cabernet should drink well for 20-25 years.”

93 Points James Laube, Wine Spectator
“Deceptively subtle and polished for a full-bodied wine, with smooth currant, dried herb, fresh-turned earth and smoky, toasty oak, all rich, chewy and well-distributed. Drink now through 2026.”

93 Points Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar
“Sexy, expressive aromas of cassis, minerals, licorice, loam and roast coffee. Concentrated, creamy and suave, with the currant, licorice and chocolate flavors really sucking up the new oak today. Plenty sweet but nicely buffered by bright acidity. This expressive, tactile cabernet finishes with sweet tannins and impressive soil-driven length. Very nicely balanced and concentrated wine.”

91 Points Steve Heimoff, Wine enthusiast
“Classic Hall Cabernet, blended with some Merlot and ultrarich and smooth in cherries, raspberries, sweet plums and mocha. The high alcohol is balanced, and this is quite delicious and drinkable. Ready now and should hang in there for at least six years.”

94+ Points Antonio Galloni, Wine Advocate
“The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Diamond Mountain District is compelling. Tar, asphalt, cassis and blackberries are just some of the many notes that emerge from this piercing, tannic Cabernet Sauvignon. At times it reminded me of Serralunga Barolo, with which it shares a dark profile and muscular, virile tannins, all also typical of Diamond Mountain. Layers of perfumed cherries linger on the sweet, inviting finish. This is a fabulous wine that will require patience. I loved it. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2024.”

90 Points James Laube, Wine Spectator
“Very ripe and intense, delivering a complex range of dark berry, berry pie and subtle jam notes, with touches of tobacco and mocha. Retains its structure and focus, ending with a loamy earth aftertaste. Best from 2014 through 2026.”

95 Points James Laube, Wine Spectator
“Striking for its firm, dense core of loamy earth, dried berry, sage and underbrush, fairly typical of Diamond Mountain in its restraint and structure, yet there's plenty of ripe currant and berry fruit to satisfy. Best from 2012 through 2024.”

92 Points Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar
“Suave and light on its feet, offering harmonious flavors of cassis, black cherry, earth and toast... The melting tannins make those of the Napa Valley bottling seem tough by comparison. Finishes with lingering notes of coffee and cola. Very well done.”

94 Points Steve Heimoff, Wine Enthusiast
“A wonderfully rich, complex and ageworthy Cabernet. It displays the impeccable winemaking from this winery, with deep, long flavors of blackberries, currants and chocolate, and while it’s drinkable now, those sturdy Diamond Mountain tannins should carry the wine forward for 6–8 years.”

93 Points James Laube, Wine Spectator
“A powerful expression, ripe and rich, with tiers of loamy earth, spice, currant, blackberry and herbal notes.”

90+ Points Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
“The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Diamond Mountain reveals mountain tannins as well as plenty of concentration and depth. Black currant, cocoa, chocolate, espresso roast, lead pencil shavings, and new oak notes characterize this full-bodied, concentrated, moderately tannic 2007 Cabernet. It should hit its prime in 5-6 years, and keep for 20-25.”

93 Points James Laube, Wine Spectator
“Rich and fleshy... Intense, structured and full-bodied, with a complex array of dried currant, sage, un­derbrush and espresso bean. Firms up, with the tannins providing great structure.”

90 Points Wine & Spirits Magazine
“A firm, gripping cabernet with cool green undertones, this is blanketed by a thick layer of new oak. The oak intensifies the wine's tannins and muddles the fruit until a jasmine scent begins to emerge from under the structure. This needs several years of cellar time to evolve.”

91-94 Points Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media
“The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Ellie's is a blend of fruit from several mountain appellations. Firm tannins and bright acids add energy to a core of red and purplish berry fruit. Lithe and medium in body relative to the other Hall wines, the Ellie's is more about persistence than opulence. Chalk, white pepper, iron and game overtones add nuance to this super-expressive Cabernet.”

91-93 Points Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate
“The deep purple-black colored barrel sample of 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Ellie's reveals notions of warm black cherries, cassis and baked plums with touches of spice cake, wilted roses and tobacco leaf. The palate is medium to full-bodied with an approachable backbone of chewy tannins and appealing freshness lifting the fragrant black fruit to a good long finish.”

94 Points Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast
“Brawny, thick and rich, this is a woody, generously oaked wine, blended with 3% Merlot. Leathery and herbal, it offers substantial weight and ripeness, dappled in dark chocolate, pepper and crushed rock notes that lend a complex texture and finishing touch of the savory.”

92-94 Points Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate
“The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Ellie's is a barrel sample, yet it is already strutting a lot of black cherry, plums and mulberries notions and hints of spice box and bay leaves. Full-bodied, rich and bold, it has a solid frame of chewy tannins and a long, berry and spice-laced finish.”

92 Points James Laube, Wine Spectator
“Firm and tight, yet with a plump core of plum, blackberry, black cherry, cedar and anise flavors. A mouthful that's quite chewy now but a good bet to reward with time. Best from 2021 through 2030.”

93-95 Points Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Critic
“Brought up in 70% new French oak, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Ellie's is beautiful and gets close to the elegance and purity of the top cuvees. Blackcurrants, cassis, spicy oak and licorice notes, as well as an impressive floral character, give way to a ripe, polished, beautifully concentrated Cabernet that's going to shine for two decades.”

95 Points Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast
“Softened by 6% Merlot, this is a classically elegant wine, juicy in cranberry, cassis and teases of coffee bean, the tannins broadly etched and brawny in their youth. Integrated oak provides a spiciness of toffee and black licorice, as the aromas develop floral notions of violet as the wine opens in the glass. Enjoy best 2024–2034.”

93 Points James Laube, Wine Spectator
“A seductive style that mixes jazzy, mocha-scented oak, pure dark berry, spice, gravel and cedar flavors and fine-grained tannins, making for a distinctive drink. Drink now through 2030.”

94 Points Owen Bargreen, International Wine Report
“The 2014 ‘Ellie’s’ Cabernet Sauvignon begins with deep aromas of crème de cassis, red bell pepper, anise and mocha with a graphite edge. The palate showcases remarkable depth, with flavors of red bell pepper, mocha, sweet pipe tobacco and crème de cassis. This remains beautifully concentrated with a core of ripe sweet fruits, which accentuate the finish. Overall this is a simply outstanding effort which displays plenty of power, combined with a wonderful sense of place and purity of fruit.”

94 Points Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast
“This wine opens with big, full-bodied and extracted flavors, high-lighted by black cherry, smoked meat and clove. Blended with 4% Merlot, it exudes textural complexity and velvety lushness, with length and breadth to spare. Within its fountain of power exists a strong sense of grace, accented by aromas of wild violet and forested earth.”

93+ Points Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
“Lastly, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Ellies is a blend of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Merlot. Once again, it has an opaque purple color, a gorgeous nose of graphite, crème de cassis, blackberry and new saddle leather. Full-bodied, powerful, unevolved and seeming much more backward than the other two, this wine seems built for the long haul and should be cellared for another 3-4 years before consumption. It has at least 25 to 30 years of aging potential.”

90 Points James Laube, Wine Spectator
“Rich and juicy, with a zesty core of blackberry, wild berry, spice, cedary oak and anise. Broad and expansive on the palate, long and lingering in the mouth. Drink now through 2024.”

93 Points Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast
“Blended with a healthy dose (21%) of Merlot, this luxurious, velvety wine is named for co-owner Craig Hall’s mother. Blackberry jam, black pepper and a touch of thick tar mark the full-bodied deliciousness going on here, a totally pleasurable experience worth enjoying now, though it can be held through 2020.”

92 Points James Laube, Wine Spectator
“Rich, pure and direct, with a pleasant dusty earth and cedary edge to the opulent blackberry, plum, licorice and spicy oak notes. There's plenty to admire here. Drink now through 2027.”

90 Points Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast
“This wine is named for the mother of one of the owners, an artist and teacher who provided the inspired artwork found on the label. It blends mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller handfuls of Cabernet Franc and Merlot and is soft in red currant with fully developed acidity.”

92 Points James Laube, Wine Spectator
“Well-proportioned, with a ripe, juicy core of vivid currant and blackberry flavors, accented by spicy-cedary oak and hints of licorice. Fans out on the finish, ending with the right amount of tannins to give the flavors traction. Drink now through 2023.”

95+ Points Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media
“Another super impressive wine, the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Ellie’s wraps around the palate with layers of voluptuous dark fruit. Plums, black currants, cinnamon and licorice are some of the many notes that come alive in the glass. The Ellie’s is one of the more overt wines in this lineup. It captures the essence of the Hall house style in all of its pure exuberance. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030.”

92 Points James Laube, Wine Spectator
“The creamy, mocha-infused oak lends this a sense of luxury and a supple texture, with plenty of substance to the currant and dark berry fruit. Gains depth and dimension on the finish, revealing roasted herb and black licorice nuances.”

90 Points Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Review
“Full, bright ruby-red. Slightly high-toned aromas and flavors of plum, currant, coffee and mocha. Plush and open-knit, in an almost exotic style and showing considerable early appeal. A sweet chocolate element carries through to the long finish, which features sweet, building tannins.”

90 Points Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
“The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Ellie’s is an homage to Kathryn Hall’s mother-in-law, who was one of the first women to enlist in Word War II. Its dark ruby/purple color is followed by notes of boysenberries and black raspberries. Medium to full-bodied with attractive earthiness and spice as well as a long finish, it is impeccably well-made, although not at the complexity level of the Bergfeld or Howell Mountain. Drink it over the next 12-15 years.”

90 Points Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media
“The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Ellie’s is a deep, super-ripe wine loaded with black cherries, plums, chocolate and sweet spices. This is a decidedly opulent expression of Cabernet, with plenty of mid-palate richness and density. Warm notes of mocha and spices round out the generous finish. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019.”

94 Points Steve Heimoff, Wine Enthusiast
“Amazingly delicious and soft. Defines the modern Napa Cabernet style, with the tasteful elegance Hall wines are known for. With 20% Merlot, it displays dazzlingly rich flavors of blackberries, black cherries, red currants and mocha, with a savory note of bacon. Now–2013.”

92 Points James Laube, Wine Spectator
“Smooth, rich and savory, deep and concentrated, with polished currant, plum and blackberry flavors accented by black licorice. Full-bodied, fleshy and persistent, ending with an espresso aftertaste. Drink now through 2020.”