The Napa Valley has been famous for its wines since the late 1800s, but its rich history extends at least 4,000 years prior and likely much more. Its fertile land supported the culture of “the People,” as they called themselves, in a series of villages. They spoke their own language, distinct from their neighbors, and boasted six villages spread across a territory that extended into Northern Sonoma County and Lake County and south to the estuary of the Napa River. When the Spanish arrived, they bestowed upon the native people the name “Wappo,” derived from the Spanish “guapo,” meaning “brave” or “courageous.”
Honoring the bravery, strength, and wisdom of the founders of the Napa Valley. This is Wappo Hill Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
March 18, 2021 | Wine Advocate
Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the fruit for this new wine came from two sites situated around Wappo Hill, a former vantage point peak that sits between Yountville and Stags Leap District. The Yountville vineyard is in the northeast portion of the AVA, just off of State Lane and to the north of Wappo Hill, while the Stag’s Leap vineyard is just south of Wappo Hill. The wine was aged in French oak barrels, 25% new. Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon waltzes out of the glass with gregarious scents of stewed black cherries, crème de cassis and mulberries, plus suggestions of kirsch, red roses, black tea and eucalyptus with wafts of dusty soil and garrigue. The full-bodied palate bursts with precocious exotic spice notes complementing the bold black fruit preserves, framed by velvety tannins and a lively backbone, finishing long with loads of minerally sparks. -Lisa Perrotti-Brown
