“Through almost 70 tumultuous years of California wine history, one thing seemed never to change: Stony Hill Vineyard, a pioneer since its first vintage in 1952 and perhaps Napa Valley’s first cult wine producer.” – Eric Asimov, The New York Times

Just when you think “they can’t get much better,” something like this lands in your inbox.

A real, dyed-in-the-wool, 100% bona fide certified CLASSIC from Napa at the BEST PRICE ever seen.

Deep Cover-style, this one requires a quick hand and steadfast decision-making. There’s just not much to go around of this 94+ point classic from Spring Mountain.

Stony Hill has a reputation for some of the best, most age-worthy wines, not only on Spring Mountain but in all of Napa Valley. In 1943, Fred McCrea and his wife, Eleanor, came across the 168-acre parcel, purchased it, and thus Stony Hill Vineyard came to be. The volcanic mountain soil and limestone-rich sub-layers mirror some of the greatest vineyards in the world and are reflected in the mineral-laden wines they produce.

This well-worth-the-original-$300-price Cab’s tremendous 2018 vintage also happened to be the final harvest for Mike Chelini before he retired, who had been with Stony Hill since 1972. That’s nearly a half-century with a Napa icon, deeming it collectible as they get.

This is not one of those beat you over the head with 200% new French Oak, extract until you turn it to ink kind of Cabs. It’s powerful and layered with complexity but reined in with respect that shows the true nature of Cabernet - full of rich red and black fruit like Bing cherries, cassis, and huckleberry, with violets and exotic woods and spices all springing from the glass. Aged in a small amount of new and mostly neutral French oak, it clocks in at a modest 14%, and it definitely presents a more “classic” style of Napa Cabernet. Like a Diamond Creek, Mayacamas, Heitz Cellar, or Chateau Montelena, it “hearkens back stylistically to Napa Valley Cabernets from 40 years ago, without any of the rusticity those wines sometimes carried” as Wine Advocate notes, and we heartily agree its beautifully framed restraint offers loads to love. And it’ll age as long as you can hold onto it.

Anyone who knows the name already left long ago to secure theirs, and if you fancy yourself a die-hard Napa Cab type, this is a must-have.

94+ Points – Wine Advocate - “One of several stalwarts on Spring Mountain, Stony Hill has turned out a classic 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon. Scented of cassis, graphite, cherries and sage, it’s firmly structured and medium-bodied, framed by ample (fruit) tannins that linger elegantly on the long finish. With a relatively small proportion of new oak and a restrained alcohol level (labeled at 13.8%), it hearkens back stylistically to Napa Valley Cabs from 40 years ago, without any of the rusticity those wines sometimes carried. It’s a refined, elegant offering, one that should be cellared for at least several years and then drink well for two decades. Drink 2027-2045.”

94 Points – Vinous “The 2018 Stony Hill Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is an exquisite, nuanced wine. Crushed red berry fruit, spice, leather, and orange peel are some of the main notes that grace this gracious, mid-weight Cabernet. Readers should expect an understated, perfumed Cabernet with lovely savory character and quiet, hushed fruit. Drink 2026-2040.”