Honig 2007 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
In 1964, Louis Honig purchased a 68-acre ranch in Rutherford, in the heart of the Napa Valley. The vineyard was planted with Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, which he sold to neighboring wineries. Louis dreamed of the day he could retire from his San Francisco advertising agency and make wine from his vineyard. Unfortunately Louis passed away before he could realize his dream, leaving the estate to his family. In 1981, as a tribute to his legacy, his family produced a few hundred cases of Louis Honig Sauvignon Blanc in the vineyard’s old tractor barn. After the wine won a Gold Medal at the Orange County Fair, the family decided to increase production, and Honig Vineyard & Winery was born. In 1984, at the age of 22, grandson Michael Honig took over management of the vineyard and winery. In 1989 the family began producing small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon.
I found this ’07 in my cellar and decided to give it a try. I noticed a deep red color with concentrated aromas of black fruit and subtle spice. The palate was focused on dark fruit, mostly blackberry and black cherry, with a light touch of spice, cedar & oak, leather and cacao. Well balanced, developed tannins and probably close to its peak, or maybe a year or two more if you can wait. Elegant wine with a lingering finish!
Cheers!