2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Hershey Vineyard
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Tasting notes
Hershey vineyard on Howell Mountain is 26 acres in total, 18 of which were planted in 2008. It is planted to just about all aspects imaginable, so it’s quite a varied site, although the Dana Hershey label comes mainly from just four blocks. The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Hershey Vineyard has a deep garnet-purple color and gives up gorgeous scents of candied violets, fragrant soil, Chinese five spice and clove oil with a core of plum preserves, Morello cherries and crème de cassis plus a waft of cast-iron pan. Full-bodied, the voluptuously fruity palate delivers layer upon layer of black fruits and exotic spice, framed by firm, rugged mountain tannins and bold freshness, finishing long and earthy. 145 cases were made. There was no Hershey vineyard in 2018.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
A big, rich, brooding mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Hershey Vineyard reveals a dense purple color as well as masculine notes of blackcurrants, redcurrants, scorched earth, graphite, bay leaf, and cedar-laced herbs. These carry to a full-bodied, concentrated 2017 that displays the vintage's tight, compact mouthfeel, impressive tannins, and a great finish. It's mostly potential at this point, but it’s unquestionably a beautiful wine. Hide bottles for 3-5 years and it should keep for 20-25+.
The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Hershey Vineyard captures all of the darkness and brooding intensity of Howell Mountain, but in the more restrained style that is typical of the year. Dark cherry, blackberry, chocolate, spice, leather, viole and licorice all grace this super-expressive Cabernet. Winemaker Chris Cooney only had one block that was ripe before the fires hit, so that is all that went into the Hershey bottling. All things considered, the 2017 Hershey is a gorgeous wine that has a bright future. I can't wait to see how it ages.
The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Hershey Vineyard is shaping up to be truly magnificent. The heat of the year gave the Hershey an extra kick of volume and resonance that comes through in its compelling richness and layers of depth. Inky red/purplish berry fruit, rose petal, dark chocolate, lavender, spice, gravel and mint add layers of aromatic nuance, but more than anything else, the 2017 beautifully captures the natural radiance of the year. Time in the glass brings out tons of Howell Mountain structure and backbone.
About the producer
Located on the Rutherford bench, Dana Estates is a small Napa estate focused on producing fine, single-site Cabernet Sauvignon. The concentrated wines are some of the region’s most sought-after, regularly earning top ratings from critics – with 19 100-point scores to date.