Harebrained
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California, USA
Harebrained Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Napa Valley, California, USA 🇺🇸
Overview
A bold Napa Cabernet led by 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, rounded with 6% Petit Verdot, 4% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc. Crafted under Hall Family Wines, this bottling is all about richness, structure, and layered complexity, showing off the precision of modern Napa winemaking.
Aromas & Flavors
Intense notes of dark fruit compote, blackberry, and plum, layered with cocoa, leather, and pepper spice. Earthy undertones bring added dimension, while toasted oak nuances complete the nose and palate.
Mouthfeel
Medium-plus body with supple, well-structured tannins. The finish is long, balanced, and polished, with a firm yet silky texture that benefits from a touch of aeration.
Winemaking Notes
Employs high-tech optical sorting for fruit precision, gravity-flow winemaking, and extended élevage in French oak (22 months, 40% new). This combination yields both power and finesse.
Food Pairing
Ideal alongside grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, lamb chops, or aged hard cheeses. Also shines with earthy mushroom dishes or a dark chocolate finish.
Verdict
A rich, layered Napa Cabernet that captures both intensity and elegance. While approachable now, it rewards a short decant and has the backbone for several more years of aging.
Harebrained Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Napa Valley, California, USA 🇺🇸
Overview
A bold Napa Cabernet led by 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, rounded with 6% Petit Verdot, 4% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc. Crafted under Hall Family Wines, this bottling is all about richness, structure, and layered complexity, showing off the precision of modern Napa winemaking.
Aromas & Flavors
Intense notes of dark fruit compote, blackberry, and plum, layered with cocoa, leather, and pepper spice. Earthy undertones bring added dimension, while toasted oak nuances complete the nose and palate.
Mouthfeel
Medium-plus body with supple, well-structured tannins. The finish is long, balanced, and polished, with a firm yet silky texture that benefits from a touch of aeration.
Winemaking Notes
Employs high-tech optical sorting for fruit precision, gravity-flow winemaking, and extended élevage in French oak (22 months, 40% new). This combination yields both power and finesse.
Food Pairing
Ideal alongside grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, lamb chops, or aged hard cheeses. Also shines with earthy mushroom dishes or a dark chocolate finish.
Verdict
A rich, layered Napa Cabernet that captures both intensity and elegance. While approachable now, it rewards a short decant and has the backbone for several more years of aging.
Expected so much more. It was okay, not worth the $45 at Total Wine. Not the big, juicy Cab I expected.
Expected so much more. It was okay, not worth the $45 at Total Wine. Not the big, juicy Cab I expected.
Feb 24th, 2025Consumed 01/2025. 15.5% ALC by Vol. Produced and bottled by Hall Family Wines.  Bold aromas of black cherry, tobacco, and dark chocolate mingle with supple tannins to carry the wine through an elegant finish. 
Consumed 01/2025. 15.5% ALC by Vol. Produced and bottled by Hall Family Wines.  Bold aromas of black cherry, tobacco, and dark chocolate mingle with supple tannins to carry the wine through an elegant finish. 
Feb 9th, 2025
