Hundred Acre 'Wraith' Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 750ml

Product Info

Terroir
The Wraith Cabernet Sauvignon originates from select hillside vineyards in Napa Valley, one of the most celebrated regions for Cabernet Sauvignon in California. Hundred Acre sources fruit from meticulously farmed vineyard parcels characterized by steep slopes, low-yielding vines, and complex soils that contribute intensity and structure to the wine. These hillside sites benefit from excellent drainage and optimal sun exposure, encouraging small berries with thick skins and concentrated flavors.

The soils are typically composed of volcanic rock, decomposed basalt, gravel, and clay-loam mixtures—elements that restrict vine vigor and force roots deep into the earth in search of water and nutrients. This stress results in fruit with remarkable density and character. The warm days of Napa Valley are tempered by cool evening breezes flowing down from the surrounding mountains, allowing grapes to ripen fully while retaining balance and aromatic clarity.

The 2022 growing season produced fruit of exceptional concentration and phenolic maturity, delivering grapes that combine richness with structural precision—an ideal foundation for the powerful yet refined style associated with Hundred Acre.

Winemaking & Technical Notes
Hundred Acre is known for an uncompromising approach to winemaking, focusing on extremely low yields and meticulous attention to detail at every stage of production. Grapes for Wraith are harvested by hand at optimal ripeness and carefully sorted to ensure only the finest fruit enters the fermentation process.

Fermentation occurs in small lots, allowing precise control over extraction and temperature. Gentle yet deliberate extraction techniques are used to capture deep color and tannin structure without sacrificing elegance. After fermentation, the wine is transferred to French oak barrels—often with a significant proportion of new oak—where it undergoes extended maturation for approximately 24 to 30 months.

This long aging period allows the wine to develop remarkable depth, texture, and complexity. The finished wine is typically bottled unfined and unfiltered, preserving its full concentration and character.

Tasting Notes
The 2022 Wraith Cabernet Sauvignon presents an inky, opaque garnet color in the glass. The nose is intensely aromatic and layered, revealing notes of blackcurrant, blackberry compote, and ripe plum intertwined with hints of dark chocolate, graphite, and cedar. Subtle nuances of violet, espresso, and baking spice add further aromatic complexity as the wine opens in the glass.

On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and extraordinarily concentrated, yet remarkably polished. A core of dark fruit—cassis, blackberry, and black cherry—unfolds across the palate, supported by layers of cocoa, tobacco leaf, and crushed stone. The texture is dense and velvety, with powerful yet refined tannins that provide structure and depth.

Despite its richness, the wine maintains impressive balance and precision, with vibrant acidity lifting the dense fruit profile. The finish is exceptionally long and persistent, revealing waves of dark fruit, spice, and mineral undertones that linger for minutes.

Food Pairing & Service
Serve at approximately 60–65°F (16–18°C) in a large Bordeaux-style glass. Decanting for 1–2 hours is recommended when young, allowing the wine’s complex aromatics and structure to fully unfold.

This powerful Cabernet pairs beautifully with richly flavored dishes such as dry-aged ribeye steak, grilled lamb chops, or braised short ribs. The wine’s depth also complements slow-roasted game meats and hearty preparations featuring mushrooms or truffles.

For cheese pairings, aged varieties such as Comté, aged Gouda, or sharp cheddar highlight the wine’s balance of fruit, structure, and savory complexity.

Cellaring Potential
Hundred Acre wines are built for long-term aging, and the 2022 Wraith Cabernet Sauvignon is no exception. Its immense concentration, structured tannins, and balanced acidity provide an ideal framework for extended bottle development.

Under proper cellaring conditions, this wine has the potential to evolve gracefully for 20–30 years or more. Over time, the primary fruit will gradually integrate with tertiary aromas of leather, cigar box, forest floor, and savory spice. The tannins will soften and become more seamless, revealing an increasingly complex and layered expression of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.