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2018 Signature Mountain Blend

2018 Signature Mountain Blend
97 Points Int'l Wine Report


Our 2018 Signature Mountain Blend barrel aged in 90% New French and Hungarian Oak is once again a delectable representation of what our Estate Rockwell Ridge Vineyard (blended with Howell Mountain, Pritchard Hill, & Atlas Peak fruit) can produce. 60% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot, 7% Malbec, and 1% Cabernet Franc, this limited case production is the closest wine in our program that could be called an “Estate wine” with most of the blend coming from our very own Rockwell Ridge estate vineyard (located 35 feet below the Howell Mountain AVA). Claimed by the critics as a “beautiful wine that “...explodes from the glass”, and dubbed by many over the years as “The Petrus of Napa Valley”, we are thrilled to get this wine from our Estate to yours. 188 cases produced.

2018 was an extraordinary year (the BEST vintage of the decade according to Ralph — see video below) — we had the most predictable weather conditions with no heat spikes which resulted in THE longest hangtime on the vines, like a slowly roasted marshmallow. After losing half of our fruit in 2017 to the wildfires, we were ecstatic that our 2018 harvest was truly our comeback vintage showcasing our volcanic terroir and signature winemaking style.

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$150.00
 
SKU: HERT18SRD7WEB
Wine Specs
Vintage
2018
Varietal
Bordeaux Blend
Appellation
Napa Valley
Alcohol %
14.70
Wine Enthusiast
96
Robert Parker
96
Wine Advocate
96
Wine Profile
Tasting Notes
"The 2018 Signature Mountain Red may be the finest release yet if this wine from Ralph Hertelendy. The fruit comes from Pritchard Hill, Atlas Peak and Howell Mountain. It begins to impress with its gorgeous aromatics of creme de cassis, black raspberries and dark currents which are joined by dark chocolate nibs, spices, loam, florals and hints of cigar box that all come together beautifully. On the palate this is full-bodied dense and concentrated with a lovely plush texture backed by a a deep, well-structured core that pumps out loads of gorgeous ripe dark fruits and cocoa nibs that expand through the seductive finish. This seductive red is simply delicious now, but also has the characteristics to age for two decades." -International Wine Report, 97 Points
Ratings
"2018 Hertelendy ‘Signature’ Red Wine- The world-class 2018 Hertelendy ‘Signature’ Red Wine is sourced from their Rockwell Ridge Vineyard, as well as sites on Howell Mountain, Pritchard Hill, and Atlas Peak. Stored in 90% French and Hungarian oak, this blends 60% Merlot, and 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, with the remainder Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc. Very inky in the glass, this reveals creme de violette, mocha, tar and black licorice flavors that combines with wet gravel on the palate. Refined and elegant, this is a stunning new wine that has a really long way to go in the cellar. Drink 2023-2045" — Owen Bargreen, 97 Points
Awards
"The 2018 Signature Mountain Blend is composed of 60% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot, 7% Malbec and 1% Cabernet Franc. Opaque purple-black colored, it slowly unfurls to reveal beguiling scents of baked black plums, boysenberries and chocolate-covered cherries plus hints of lilacs, forest floor, pencil lead and star anise. Medium to full-bodied, the palate shimmers with electric energy and tension, delivering mouth-filling perfumed black fruits and a firm foundation of ripe, rounded tannins, finishing with fantastic length and purity." — Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Master of Wine), Robert Parker Wine Advocate, 96+ Points
Vineyard Notes
"This rich, well-balanced wine combines black-fruit flavors, thick and supple tannins, and spot-on oak-spice accents that integrate beautifully with the blueberries, dark cherries and black figs that melt on the palate. Sourced from Pritchard Hill, Atlas Peak and Howell Mountain, the wine is definitely big yet harmonious. Best from 2028–2040. Cellar Selection." — Wine Enthusiast, 96 Points