2021 H.W.C. CABERNET SAUVIGNON


Named after H.W. Crabb, the visionary steward and student of To Kalon who gave the vineyard its name in the late 1800s, our H.W.C is sourced from one block of vines planted to a heritage clone of Cabernet Sauvignon that produces impossibly small clusters of tiny berries yielding wines with remarkable energy and concentration. Aromas of black currant, blackberry, and dark chocolate soar from the glass. Savory notes of cocoa and black olive evoke the forest floor terroir of To Kalon. The palate mirrors the dark and rustic nose, framed by cedar, with a rich and robust, tannin-laden finish. This is a powerful wine, yet it retains precision and focus. Aged for 20 months in 100% French oak, this wine is bottled unfined and unfiltered.

  • Vintage 2021
  • Alcohol 14.8%
  • Vineyard To Kalon Vineyard
  • Appellation Oakville, Napa Valley
  • Varietal 100% Heritage Clone Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Cooperage 100% New French Oak
  • Winemaker Andy Erickson
  • Accolades

    99 Pts, Top 100 Wines of 2024. “Massive concentration and dense tannins make this wine imposing to taste now, but it has so much potential for improvement with age. Made from 100% Mondavi Heritage Clone 31 that gives tiny yields from small grape bunches. Intense blueberry, dark chocolate, graphite and tobacco leaf flavors are tightly wrapped in fine-grained tannins. A memorable wine that will drink best from 2030."

    — James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

    96 Pts. “A loaded red, with a mix of iris, violet and cassis aromas leading the way for dark currant, blackberry and black cherry reduction flavors. Hints of warm loam, licorice root, tobacco and singed alder check in. Everything builds through the long, muscular finish, showing terrific latent energy. Big but not a blockbuster style; this shows poise. Best from 2025 through 2045. 490 cases made."

    — James Molseworth, Wine Spectator

  • Vintage

    The grapes were macerated on the skins for 26 days on average to fully burnish the tannins and maximize the potential of the vineyard. The wine was then aged for 20 months in new French oak, further polishing the texture and adding new layers of complexity. Deep and energetic with powerful character, this wine is built to age for decades, but will certainly please a crowd whenever it is opened.