2022 Amici Hirondelle Cabernet Sauvignon

95points

Jeb Dunnuck

“a beautiful wine… already hard to resist”

Vineyard Notes

Hirondelle Vineyard is the first vineyard in the Amici portfolio to come from the unique Stag’s Leap District in Napa Valley. Located in the eastern portion of Napa Valley, Stag’s Leap District was the first region to be approved in the United States based on soil type. Volcanic rock and river sediments make up a staggering blend of soils that give the region its famed intensity and flavor profile often described as “an iron fist in a velvet glove.”

Winemaking Notes

The 2022 Hirondelle Cabernet Sauvignon captures the classic iron-fist in a velvet glove characteristics that the region is known for. Aromas of black cherry, saddle leather, and subtle black olive and herbs de Provence notes rise from the glass. On the palate, polished, velvety tannins frame deep flavors of soy, dark chocolate, and black cherry, accented by delicate rose petal and a thread of fresh acidity. Plush and persistent, the tannins glide through a long, refined finish.

Vintage
2022
Varietal
Cabernet Sauvignon
Vineyard
Hirondelle
Appellation
Stag's Leap District, Napa Valley
Blend
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol
14.8%
Fermentation & Aging
100% Stainless Steel fermentation; Aged 16 months in 100% new French oak barrels

Reviews

95points

Jeb Dunnuck

From a site in the Stags Leap District, the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Hirondelle Vineyard is a beautiful wine in the vintage. Darker fruits, graphite, darker chocolate, and spicy notes all emerge from the glass, and it’s medium-bodied on the palate, with a layered, seamless mouthfeel, beautiful tannins, good concentration, and outstanding length. It plays in the soft, charming, accessible style of the vintage and is already hard to resist. Nevertheless, I see no reason it shouldn’t keep for a decade.

94points

Decanter

Amici’s 2022 Hirondelle Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, from the Stags Leap District, was aged 22 months in 100% new French oak, using Sylvain, Taransaud, and Darnajou barrels. This is a decadent, full-bodied red wine with rich, robust, chocolatey tannins and abundant blackberry, blackcurrant, and spice notes. In warmer vintages, it shows less of the Stags Leap minerality and more fruit-driven opulence, and in 2022, the result is an approachable, easy-drinking wine. With softer tannins than typical vintages, this is a wine to enjoy early and often. Tony Biagi leads the winemaking team.

93points

Vinous

The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Hirondelle Vineyard offers a beguiling mix of super-ripe inky fruit, spice, licorice and French oak. Creamy and textured, with gorgeous mid-weight balance, the 2022 is all class. Pretty floral notes lift the finish.

93points

James Suckling

A super smooth, velvety, fruit-soaked red that practically oozes black cherry and blackberry flavors on a full body. It offers cocoa, graphite and nutmeg accents over the generous, rich dark fruit that lends an almost sweet character. Drink now or hold.

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