2016 Hayfork Wine Co. Lewelling Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon

Hayfork Wine Co. In St. Helena is aptly named. John Lewelling, a horticulturalist, acquired the ranch in 1864 and six generations later his descendants are still working at vineyard management and winemaking. The historic Lewelling Ranch is one of the oldest family owned and operated agricultural enterprises in the region. Today Lewelling’s descendants are the Wight family, and Doug Wight runs a well-known vineyard management company. His daughter Haley, who grew up on the ranch, is winemaker for Hayfork, and Haley and her husband Erik Dodd run the winemaking business. The estate’s first Cabernet Sauvignon vintage was released in 2006. Hayfork also makes Grenache Blanc. All wines are produced in very limited quantities. Hayfork makes 300 to 500 cases annually.

St. Helena AVA is at the northern end of Napa Valley just north of Rutherford and south of Calistoga. It is a relatively warm climate thanks to the Mayacamas Mountains on its western edge, which protect it from Pacific Ocean fog. Out of the 9,000 acres in the appellation, some 1,500 are under vine. The principal grapes grown in St. Helena are the Bordeaux grapes of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. St. Helena is considered prime wine producing territory, and it was one of the first important wine producing regions in northern California. The legendary Charles Krug founded his winery just north of the town of St. Helena in 1873, and today the appellation is home to many prestigious producers, including Abreu, Grace Family and Spottswoode.

One of the most widely grown grape varieties, it can be found in nearly every wine growing region. A cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. It’s a hardy vine that produces a full-bodied wine with high tannins and great aging potential.