Dana Estates

Hershey Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

9.423 ratings
9.48 pro ratings
Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, California, USA
Cabernet Sauvignon
Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Pasta, Venison, Tomato-Based, Potato, Pork, Chocolate & Caramel, White Rice, Mushrooms, Beef, Lamb, Chili & Hot Spicy
Top Notes For
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9.9

The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Hershey Vineyard is fabulous. At age ten, it remains quite youthful. Black cherry, gravel, menthol, licorice and spices all run through this potent Howell Mountain Cabernet. All the elements are so well balanced. The 2012 is a seriously beautiful wine, as it always has been. What a knockout! It is the clear standout in this tasting, but it is definitely a wine for readers who appreciate mountain structure and intensity. What a wine! (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, May 2024)

The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Hershey Vineyard is fabulous. At age ten, it remains quite youthful. Black cherry, gravel, menthol, licorice and spices all run through this potent Howell Mountain Cabernet. All the elements are so well balanced. The 2012 is a seriously beautiful wine, as it always has been. What a knockout! It is the clear standout in this tasting, but it is definitely a wine for readers who appreciate mountain structure and intensity. What a wine! (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, May 2024)

May 10th, 2024
Roy Goble

Parker gave it 96 but 92 is more realistic.

Parker gave it 96 but 92 is more realistic.

Jun 15th, 2019
Andrew Holod

National Sales Grapes of Spain

8.3

Dense, chocolatey and kinda long but not much fruit character in the expression of acid or fruit. If this is where Napa is headed, I'll be spending my$ elsewhere.

Dense, chocolatey and kinda long but not much fruit character in the expression of acid or fruit. If this is where Napa is headed, I'll be spending my$ elsewhere.

1 person found it helpfulApr 19th, 2017
Roy Goble

Just ... great.

Just ... great.

Feb 11th, 2017
Paul Stroud

Sommelier/Wine Director

9.5

Phillipe at his best. Awesome wine showing structure, elegance, and layers on the nose.

Phillipe at his best. Awesome wine showing structure, elegance, and layers on the nose.

Jul 9th, 2016
Alvaro Bustillos

2/2016

Apr 20th, 2020
Alvaro Bustillos

Cumple papa 2/19/12

Cumple papa 2/19/12

Jun 4th, 2018
Paul T HB

I was planning on holding this longer but there was a 3 bottle lot on auction today, so I needed to do a pop & check to find out if I needed more,
Turns out I didn't need any more, really closed down for a 12. No nose & really tight, if you have it wait at least 5 years if not 10.

I was planning on holding this longer but there was a 3 bottle lot on auction today, so I needed to do a pop & check to find out if I needed more,
Turns out I didn't need any more, really closed down for a 12. No nose & really tight, if you have it wait at least 5 years if not 10.

Apr 19th, 2017
DAG
9.2

Not sure what possess my friends to open a magnum of such a high caliber wine so young. #Bottle189☠
#SoTightButSoRight

Not sure what possess my friends to open a magnum of such a high caliber wine so young. #Bottle189☠
#SoTightButSoRight

May 26th, 2016
V M
9.7

This 2012 cab sav is an awesome effort from this vineyard high up on Howell mountain. Decanted for 2 hours and the wine although young opened beautifully. The nose springs forth from the glass with thrusts of raspberry syrup and boysenberries. The palate is super concentrated and has similar notes along with dark cherry a hint of balsam wood and a kiss of minerality. Finish is focused yet formidable. This will age effortlessly but the tannins weren't offensive nor limiting so can drink now but with air.

This 2012 cab sav is an awesome effort from this vineyard high up on Howell mountain. Decanted for 2 hours and the wine although young opened beautifully. The nose springs forth from the glass with thrusts of raspberry syrup and boysenberries. The palate is super concentrated and has similar notes along with dark cherry a hint of balsam wood and a kiss of minerality. Finish is focused yet formidable. This will age effortlessly but the tannins weren't offensive nor limiting so can drink now but with air.

Oct 25th, 2015