Mission Codename Every bunny dance now
“A small property with highly expressive wines located on the lower slopes of Howell Mountain… lush, forward and built on opulence, with complexity and nuance.” – Antonio Galloni, Vinous
We’re feeling positively, certifiably crackbrained. Nutty. Delirious with pride, pumped full of excitement to offer this wine today. A primetime 95-point flagship Cab for 60% off?! Are we also seeing upright bunnies, holding paws, and waltzing?! Maybe it’s time we plead insanity…
Because this must be one of the single most impressive Cabs we’ve had in a long time.
Will we ever be able to top this??
Only a handful of retailers list it at anywhere from $120-$200. But we have this 95-point powerhouse for $72. Saving you roughly $100 per bottle!!
Absolutely nutty.
Dancing Hares Vineyard sits at the base of Howell Mountain where the St. Helena appellation begins, and they’re known for making two fantastic wines. This is one of them. Tuck Beckstoffer acquired the establishment, changed the name, and set to work taking it to new heights, making roughly 800 cases annually, and this flagship wine accounts for around 350 of those. “These wines are pure Napa Valley goodness made by Tuck Beckstoffer, who is the son of the famous viticulturist and vineyard owner in Napa, Andy Beckstoffer” affirms Jeb Dunnuck, if you did not know that the Beckstoffers own and farm some of the most prime vineyards in Napa and beyond.
And it’s a big, voluptuous beauty. Loaded with dense, layers of purple-black fruits. Think spice cake, cassis, plum jam, black licorice, sweet tobacco, and savory herbs. Immensely satisfying with every sip, it sits right alongside many Napa Cabs priced up to and above $200. So far, the only professional review comes from The Tasting Panel, which awarded it 95 points. Also, Sunset International Wine Competition in 2021 brought 96 Points along with a Double Gold. The 2016 had earned double 97s from Jeb Dunnuck and Wine Advocate, betting on more heavy scores rolling in for this vintage, albeit after it’s sold out.
Not much made. We did our best to get enough but… you know how it goes.
95 Points – The Tasting Panel
“Crushed violets, wet stone, and sturdy tannins keep this rabbit hopping as sweet earthy notes combine with an animated sweep of dark fruit and a chalky texture that grips the teeth. It’s dusty and shadowed, with tarry notes racing alongside coffee bean and bittersweet chocolate on the finish.”
What the Winery Says
2017 Dancing Hares St. Helena Cabernet Sauvignon
- Winemaker
- Shawn Johnson
- Varietal
- 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 6% Merlot
- Vintage
- 2019
- Alcohol
- 14.8%
- Appellation
- St. Helena, Napa Valley
- Vineyard
- Dancing Hares Vineyard
- Harvest dates
- October 22-28, 2017
- Aging
- 22 months
- Barrels
- 80% new French oak