Hartwell

After tasting some really pretty Pinots over at Baldacci, the 05 takes the cake btw, I got in over at Hartwell, where, thanks to friends much more influencial than myself, I was once again, lucky enough, to be able to get a private tasting, tour of the caves, and a barrel sample. The great tasting room staff over at Baldacci even begged me to bring them back a taste!
Their 05 Hartwell Miste Hill Cab may've been my favorite, Even over their 04 Cab Reserve at $115/btl. Andy Erickson and Benoit Touquette, the winemakers, are rocking it over there. With collective experience over at Staglin, Spottswode, Dalle Valle, Screaming Eagle, and Andy's Favia, these guys are a who's who of Napa. They've also got Monsieur Rolland to come in and consult. A real rock star team.
The property over in the second picture is the late Robert Mondavi's personal Estate, you can just make out his tennis courts. Down there in the last shot, is Benoit walking the vines. The 05 Cab Reserve, from barrel, is looking like it'll be yet another stunner from these guys. If you can land some of the 05 Miste Hill at around $60/ btl, it's an absolute steal!